Prevention Research Coordinating Committee (PRCC)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Working Definition of Prevention Research
(Revised 2007)
As a result of continuing Congressional and public interest in disease
prevention research and the evolution of prevention science, the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) Prevention Research Coordinating Committee (PRCC)
examined the existing 1984 definition of prevention research to determine
whether it was in need of revision. The goal was to ensure that a definition
of prevention research communicates the breadth and depth of prevention
research funded by NIH while also retaining sufficient specificity to be of
practical value.
Research on disease prevention is an important part of the NIH mission. The
Institutes and Centers have a broad portfolio of prevention research and
training, as well as programs to disseminate the findings to scientists,
health professionals, and the public. Ultimately, knowledge gained from NIH
supported prevention research enables the application of sound science in
clinical practice, health policy, and community health programs, thereby
improving the health of the public.
In 1984, an NIH definition of prevention research was developed and agreed upon
by the NIH Institutes, Centers and Offices, and subsequently adopted as the
United States Public Health Service working definition of prevention. In 2007,
the NIH Prevention Research Coordinating Committee (PRCC) reviewed and modified
the 1984 definition based on the current state of the science.
It is important to note that the proposed definition of prevention research
provided below is a general model. We recognize that individual Institutes
and Centers may adapt the definition to best reflect their missions and the
state of knowledge in their respective scientific fields.
PRCC Definition of Prevention Research
Prevention research encompasses research designed to yield results directly
applicable to identifying and assessing risk, and to developing interventions
for preventing or ameliorating high-risk behaviors and exposures, the occurrence
of disease/disorder/injury, or the progression of detectable but asymptomatic
disease. Prevention research also includes research studies to develop and
evaluate disease prevention and health promotion recommendations and public
health programs.
The definition includes the following categories of research:
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Identification of modifiable risk and protective factors for
diseases/disorders/injuries;
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Studies on assessment of risk, including genetic susceptibility;
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Development of methods for screening and identification of markers for those
at risk for onset or progression of asymptomatic diseases/disorders, or at
risk for adverse high risk behaviors/injuries;
-
Development and evaluation of interventions to promote health for groups of
individuals without recognized signs or symptoms of the target condition;
-
Translation of proven effective prevention interventions into practice;
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Effectiveness studies that examine factors related to the organization,
management, financing, and adoption of prevention services and practices;
and
-
Methodological and statistical procedures for assessing risk and measuring
the effects of preventive interventions.
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