Freakonomics Radio 405. Policymaking Is Not a Science (Yet)
Feb 13, 2020
Dana Susskind, a physician scientist specializing in cochlear implants, John List, an economist focused on field experiments, and Patty Chamberlain, a science director in child welfare, tackle why innovative solutions often fail to scale in education and health. They discuss the 'magic sauce' for effective real-world application and the challenges of translating research into policy. The trio emphasizes improving parent-child interactions in early childhood and the necessity of rigorous implementation science in policymaking to enhance outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
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Cochlear Implants
- Dana Susskind, a pediatric surgeon, specializes in cochlear implants that can restore hearing.
- She finds joy in witnessing children hear for the first time after implantation.
Implementation Challenges
- Despite technological advancements, many fail to fully benefit.
- High blood pressure medication adherence is low despite effective drugs, highlighting the gap between solution and implementation.
Cochlear Implant Adherence
- Even with life-altering devices like cochlear implants, adherence is an issue.
- Only half of implant recipients wear the external device consistently, limiting the intended benefits.