POLICY RESEARCH - LESSONS FROM THE FIELD

Nursing's involvement in policy development has become a standard and expected part of nursing practice. One avenue of involvement, policy r esearch, is clarified through description and case example. Policy res earch is described as context-driven, multimethodological, and time-se nsitive. Considering these essential characteristics when planning and implementing policy research enhances nursing's ability to positively influence the policy process. A case example of policy research from the criminal justice system evaluated the effectiveness of a diversion program with alcohol and marijuana misdemeanants (N=1,239). The purpo ses of the study were to describe the percentage of diversion particip ants with alcohol or marijuana-possession charges who were successful in completing the diversion program and to examine the incidence of su bsequent arrests on alcohol or marijuana-possession charges among thos e who successfully completed the program. The case example demonstrate s the intricate and unique relationship between research and the polic y arena. Policy research can equip nursing to enter policy debates wit h data and to participate as a persuasive agent of social change.