ESSAY
The L.E.A.D. Framework: Using Tools From Evidence-Based Public Health to Address Evidence Needs for Obesity Prevention
The figure has a diamond-shaped outer frame. Two sides are labeled 鈥淪ystems perspective鈥�; the other 2, 鈥淥pportunities to generate evidence.鈥� Inside the diamond is a column of boxes that describe each element in the L.E.A.D. process. At the top is a circle that reads, 鈥淪pecify questions.鈥� The four boxes read as follows: 鈥淟ocate Evidence: Identify and gather the types of evidence that are potentially relevant to the questions; Evaluate Evidence: Apply standards of quality as relevant to different types of evidence; Assemble Evidence: Select and summarize evidence according to considerations for its use; Inform Decisions: Use evidence in the decision-making process.鈥�
Figure 1. The IOM L.E.A.D. Framework to Inform Decision Making About Obesity Prevention. Adapted from the Institute of Medicine (2).
The figure depicts a circle containing 3 questions connected by arrows. The circle is titled 鈥淒ecisions.鈥� The questions are 鈥淲HY should we do something about this problem in our situation?鈥�; WHAT specifically should we do about this problem?鈥�; and 鈥淗OW do we implement this information for our situation?鈥�
Figure 2. Questions that guide the gathering of evidence. Adapted from the Institute of Medicine (2).
The opinions expressed by authors contributing to this journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Public Health Service, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the authors' affiliated institutions.
