Prevention research and its interface with policy: defining the terms and challenges.

The United States has led the way in the development of new insights into the detection, treatment, and prevention of disease. Not only has the Nation's research community ushered in the virtual elimination of nutrient deficiency diseases, dramatic reductions in childhood vaccine-preventable diseases, and impressive gains against heart disease and stroke, it has also been at the forefront of basic research in genetics and molecular biology and the development of important diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. With health care reform comes an opportunity to build upon and strengthen the positive features of the Nation's health system, including health research--in particular, research that fosters the prevention of health problems and a better informed application of medical services.