Bridging academic-legislative divides: models of policy-relevant health research and practice by the University of California.

PROBLEM This paper argues that it is necessary to strengthen Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) community-based participatory research (CBPR) models that integrate a health policy agenda through dynamic legislative partnerships. PURPOSE We utilize a case study approach and examine three health research partnership models that impact legislative design and action: The California Program on Access to Care (CPAC), the California Health Benefits Review Program (CHBRP), and the University of California Asian American and Pacific Islander Policy Multicampus Research Program (UC AAPI Policy MRP). KEY POINTS In-depth examination reveals the difficulties of engaging in research that collaborates with multiple parties simultaneously and the specific benefits and challenges in each case. CONCLUSIONS New directions are needed to deepen legislative engagement potential in CBPR and the translation of policy research that considers the health of all AA and NHPI communities.