Enhancing the policy impact of evaluation research: A case study of nurse practitioner role expansion in a state workers' compensation system

In 2004, the Washington State Legislature enacted a 3-year pilot program that authorized nurse practitioners to function as attending providers for injured workers. The bill required an evaluation and report to the Legislature to address stakeholder concerns regarding potential impacts on system quality and costs. Subsequent to the report's dissemination, permanent legislation extending the program was passed. The specific objectives of this case study are (1) to document an example of policy-relevant research that had features facilitating direct policy impact and (2) to describe environmental facilitators/barriers and best practices for enhancing the effective impact of evaluation research on policy. Researchers often seek to have an impact on health, health care, and/or healthcare policy. This case study reinforces the importance of (1) ensuring early and ongoing communication with stakeholders, (2) conducting stakeholder analysis to understand underlying interests and values, and (3) encouraging meaningful stakeholder input into the evaluation design process.