The Science of Making Informed Decisions: with Research Scientist Gracelyn Cruden

Dr. Gracelyn Cruden is a Research Scientist at Chestnut Health Systems’ Lighthouse Institute-Oregon Group. Her research leverages systems science, decision science, and implementation science to develop tools, processes, and partnerships to implement evidence-informed programs and policies. We discussed:  What is “decision science”? How is it applied, and how does it help get groups to a consensus?    The precise definition of evidence.   Why decision-making needs to go beyond "the ‘best available data” and integrate expertise, judgement, values, and preferences.  The need to balance quantitative with qualitative data in selecting the right combination of methods/approaches/treatments.    The Data2Action Oregon program - another great example of their work combining science and lived experience, and coordinating multiple “stakeholders” to facilitate effective outreach to improve lives and communities.  Gracelyn provides a fascinating glimpse into how her work integrates all these elements -  decision and implementation science - to deliver real-world solutions whose impact is more than the sum of their parts.