Latest Insights & Research

Stay informed with the latest public health research, insights, and evidence-based analysis from our team of experts.

Category: policy

All Workforce News Health equity Commentary Research Policy Society Mental health
Policy

How Data Science Sheds Light on Public Health Policy Failures

Tmagine is trying to piece together the story of a historic crisis using only a box of unorganized photos. Each image offers a fragment of the story, but connecting the dots seems impossible. This was the challenge researchers faced when they sought to understand the decision-making behind the Flint Water Crisis—a public health disaster that […]

Read more →
Policy

How Governance Shapes Healthcare: The Impact of Democracy and Corruption on the Global Physician Workforce

Imagine two countries. One boasts a robust democracy, characterized by transparency, public participation, and trust in government institutions. The other struggles with rampant corruption, where public funds meant for healthcare often disappear, leaving hospitals underfunded and doctors demoralized. These differences are more than political—they shape the healthcare workforce, influencing who gets care and how often. […]

Read more →
Policy

Making Research Applicable to Policymakers

As readers know, we are really into policy, so we’re really happy to share some conference proceedings from a group of researchers we really admire. The hook is simple: what if policymakers had the tools and resources to turn the latest studies into transformative policies? This dream of evidence-informed decision-making is closer than ever, yet […]

Read more →
Policy

The Reality of Defensive Gun Use

Gun violence and firearm policy remain pressing issues in the United States, with heated debates often centering on the role of guns in self-defense. A newly published study in the American Journal of Public Health offers a crucial perspective by examining 35 years of data on defensive firearm use. The findings? Despite frequent claims that […]

Read more →
Policy

Imagine this: You’ve just endured a medical emergency, and as you’re recovering, a staggering bill lands in your mailbox. Until recently, this scenario was far too common for Americans seeking emergency care. Enter the No Surprises Act (NSA)—a law enacted to protect patients from unexpected, out-of-network medical bills and introduce a new system for resolving […]

Read more →
Policy

The Fragile Balance of Trust

Imagine scrolling through your newsfeed and encountering a headline about a miraculous new COVID-19 cure. The article looks legitimate, but how do you decide whether to believe it? This decision hinges on an intricate psychological mechanism called epistemic trust—our ability to assess the credibility of knowledge and determine if it’s relevant, accurate, and worth adopting. […]

Read more →
Policy

Did Philadelphia’s Soda Tax Help Kids Lose Weight?

When Philadelphia implemented its soda tax in 2017, many hoped it would be a game-changer in the fight against childhood obesity. The logic seemed simple: tax sugary drinks, reduce consumption, and improve health outcomes for kids. But did it work? A new study provides some surprising answers, challenging assumptions and sparking questions about the most […]

Read more →
Policy

Measles Vaccination Efforts at Risk of Stalling

In “honor” of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the recent nominee to HHS, let’s take a look at this recent MMWR report. Measles, a disease once a harbinger of widespread illness and death, has met its match in vaccination programs, saving an astounding 60 million lives between 2000 and 2023. Put that number in your head. […]

Read more →
Policy

Upgrading Lab Safety for Emergency Response

In the fast-paced world of modern healthcare, staying prepared for public health emergencies is more important than ever. As the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, our ability to swiftly and effectively respond to biological threats can make the difference between containing an outbreak and facing widespread consequences. This is particularly true for laboratories, which are often on […]

Read more →
Policy

How Addressing Food and Housing Insecurity Can Transform Public Health

When we think about healthcare, most of us picture doctors, hospitals, and medications. But what if I told you that some of the most powerful health interventions have nothing to do with medicine? Across the country, communities and health organizations are exploring a new frontier in public health, one that focuses on the social conditions […]

Read more →
Policy

How Evaluation Criteria Shape(s) Public Policy

When we talk about evaluating public policies, it’s easy to get caught up in the details—measuring success, gathering data, and checking boxes. But how do we actually decide what makes a policy “successful”? That’s where evaluation criteria come in. Evaluation criteria are the standards used to judge the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall value of policies. […]

Read more →

Get the public-health insights you need—
every Thursday morning.

We scan 70+ journals so you don't have to.
One email. Zero jargon. Unsubscribe anytime.

Want to see what you'll get?

View Sample: Walkable Cities Help People Move More

🔒 No spam. 1-click opt-out. Privacy-first.