Strategic Communication: Writing Data and Policy Briefs to Influence Change
A brief is a common communication tool to share data and inform decision making. Both policy briefs and data briefs are shared by health departments and public health organizations for the purpose of informing the public and policymakers, influencing policy, and driving change. Learn tools and strategies to write briefs that effectively summarize your data and communicate the impact of your programs.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
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Define the purpose of a brief
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Compare key elements of a policy and data brief
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Describe best practices for format and design
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Recognize what makes a data or policy brief effective
Format: Self-paced training (work at your own pace, use “save and exit” as needed).
Duration: 30 -60 minutes
Created by: Caitlin Meyer, MPH
Target Audience: Public Health Professionals
Published: May 2025
Disclosures: The planners, reviewers, and authors have no declared conflicts of interest.
Continuing Education:
- Continuing Education Contact Hours for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES): This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I continuing education contact hours (1.0 Continuing Competency Credits). WRPHTC provider number 99036.
The WRPHTC is a Designated Multiple Event Provider of Continuing Education Contact Hours (CECH) for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.