Utilization of epidemiological research for the development of local public health policy in the Netherlands: A case study approach

The use of epidemiological research in local health policy development is claimed to be problematic. In three in-depth case studies in Dutch municipalities, we examined the interface between local epidemiological research and local health policy development, and the use of epidemiological reports, published as Local Health Messages (LHMs). The qualitative study design is based on an earlier developed theoretical framework of extended interaction. We collected data about 129 actors, via face-to-face semi-structured interviews, telephone interviews, internet questionnaires, observations, and organizational documents.