Why Research?
- Research provides important baseline information
- Research reveals needs: it can be used to direct interventions so that they respond to verified need
- Research provides credibility to stakeholders, potential funders and the public
- Research provides community outreach opportunities
The following are a few examples of how results from our community survey, which has been conducted in their own communities or states, have led to improved end-of-life care:
- Michigan statewide commission:
- Made more than 250 public presentations
- Used the data to gain support for six end-of-life related bills
- Used finding to bolster testimony at pubic hearings
- Bend, OR
- Used the data to garner support and funds to build a hospice residence
- Ithaca, NY
- Used the findings to support grant proposals
- Used the data as an opportunity to share information and build trust with local agencies
- Presented information to local religious communities and encouraged them to use the data to promote discussions with their members
- Eugene, OR
- Used the findings to create op-ed pieces for their regional news daily
- Created working groups in areas of need revealed by survey data
- Nebraska:
- Announced the results at a press conference featuring AARP, the Attorney General, and others, gaining free media coverage, building relations with key supporters, and garnering an editorial in the state’s largest newspaper
- Distributed the final report to Nebraska’s state senators and executive offices through the Nebraska Hospital Association, the Nebraska Association of Home and Community Health Agencies, the Nebraska Medical Directors Association and the Nebraska Health Care Association
- North Carolina:
- Created media kits and tool kits for use by hospices and coalitions in North Carolina
- Shared the data with state hospice organizations across the country