Conducting A Health Policy Analysis

Conducting a Health Policy Analysis

The Final Project for this course is a 12- to 15-page public policy analysis (not including title page or references). You will select a public health-related policy issue that poses a threat to the public’s health, which is not currently legislated or regulated. Your paper should thoroughly analyze the chosen policy, addressing critical elements including problem statement, background, landscape, options, and recommendations. Utilize the Walden University Research Paper Template to ensure APA compliance, and refer to Chapter 14 of your textbook for guidance on structuring and writing a health policy analysis. The paper must contain the following sections: Problem Statement, Background, Landscape, Options, and Recommendations. Additional headings may be added if needed to suit your specific topic. Use credible sources to support your analysis and provide evidence-based recommendations for policy change.

Paper For Above instruction

The final assignment for this health policy course requires crafting a comprehensive public policy analysis paper, spanning 12 to 15 pages, exclusive of the title and references pages. The focus of this assignment is to critically examine a public health policy issue that currently lacks regulation or legislative action but poses a significant threat to community health. Identifying such a policy concern involves careful consideration of existing health policies, or the absence thereof, that could benefit from legislative intervention.

The central objective of this paper is to conduct a detailed policy analysis using a structured approach, integrating scholarly research and evidence-based arguments to advocate for policy change. The analysis should be grounded in a thorough understanding of the problem, contextualized within the background and current landscape of the issue. This involves investigating the socio-political environment, stakeholders involved, and the feasibility of proposed interventions.

The core components of the paper include the Problem Statement, which articulates the issue clearly and convincingly; the Background, providing context and historical insights; the Landscape, analyzing the current policy environment, stakeholders, and barriers; the Options, exploring possible policy solutions or interventions; and the Recommendations, offering well-supported policy proposals aimed at mitigating the threat to public health. Each section should be substantiated with credible research, including scholarly articles, government reports, and reputable sources such as the CDC or RWJF websites.

Adherence to APA format is essential throughout the paper, utilizing the Walden University Research Paper Template. The document should feature proper citations and references, along with appropriate use of APA headings (Level 1 for main sections, with additional levels if necessary). Effective transitions between sections and within paragraphs are important to ensure coherence and readability.

It is recommended to select a policy issue such as mandating nationwide installation of seat belts on school buses, implementing mandatory HIV testing with routine bloodwork, or enforcing a nationwide ban on smoking in public places. These topics exemplify public health policies with potential for significant impact but currently lack comprehensive legislation. Use credible resources like the CDC Winnable Battles website and the RWJF Health Policy site to research policy options and gather evidence to support your analysis. Your final paper should provide a clear, well-argued case for policy change that enhances public health efforts and addresses existing gaps in legislation.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Winnable Battles. https://www.cdc.gov/winnablebattles/index.html
  • Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2023). Health Policy. https://www.rwjf.org/en/our-focus-areas/topics/health-policy.html
  • Brownson, R. C., & Leider, J. P. (2017). Evidence-based decision making in public health. Annual Review of Public Health, 38, 105–119.
  • Koh, H. K., & Rudd, R. E. (2018). The health and well-being of American youth: The need for health policies that support health promotion. American Journal of Public Health, 108(S3), S155–S156.
  • Parmet, W. E., & Kinlaw, K. (2015). Policy, politics, and public health. American Journal of Public Health, 105(S2), S208–S215.
  • Hoffman, S. J., & Røttingen, J.-A. (2017). Global health policy analysis: Strategies and tools. Health Policy and Planning, 32(3), 340–347.
  • Leischow, S. J., & Milstein, B. (2006). Systems thinking and public health. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 31(2), 192–197.
  • Gostin, L. O., & Hodge Jr, J. G. (2017). US emergency legal responses to biological and chemical threats: Lessons for public health policy. JAMA, 318(6), 519–520.
  • Krieger, N. (2011). Epidemiology and the web of causation: Has anyone seen the spider? Social Science & Medicine, 19(7), 443–455.
  • Weir, L., & Kavanagh, A. M. (2016). Infrastructure and public health: A review of policy implications. BMC Public Health, 16, 1214.

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