We are nearing the end of Spring 2022!
In this assignment, you will conduct a Policy Analysis that will lean on what you have learned throughout this course.
Please note that the Policy Analysis is worth 115 points and submission will only be accepted through Canvas. Be sure not to wait until the last minute to submit your work (no extensions will be given).
Background: You will conduct a public health policy analysis, commenting on current oversight and regulation of a public health issue. This is an important skill building exercise for the real world, to continue your growth and development as Public Health leaders. The well-known policy analyst Carl V. Patton (1993) defines a policy analysis as the process through which we identify and evaluate alternative policies or programs that are intended to lessen or resolve social, economic, or physical problems.” It takes into account that many problems, including public health problems, are complex issues requiring complex solutions.
Identifying these solutions comes in part by analyzing a policy through the lens of the following 6 step process:
1) Verify, define and detail the problem
2) Establish evaluation criteria (your landscape)
3) Identify alternative policies
4) Evaluate alternative policies (your options analysis)
5) Select and recommend the preferred policy
6) Implement and monitor the chosen policy
Additional key points:
1. You should select and analyze a specific policy addressing a public health issue. Pick any public health issue in which you have an interest EXCEPT the previous case study topics (including Case Study 3), obesity, childhood obesity, or the ACA (Obamacare).
2. The policy could be one created and/or enforced by a regulatory agency to reduce an adverse health outcome, such as decreasing exposure to a hazard contributing to the issue. It could be a policy dictating specific intervention program requirements on the local, state, or federal level at a government, healthcare, or community agency. If you are focusing on the issue from a global or another countrys perspective, you can analyze policies that reflect this. Regardless of the policy selected, the policy analysis will include explicit statement of the problem/issue (remember as a question), the policy in question, alternative policy options, your target population, and relevant stakeholders. You should also consider: a) How the problem/issue is a public health issue. Convey your topic framed within its history as a public health problem/issue; b) Your specific target population(s) can have implications for the success or failure of a policy; c) Equally important are your audience/stakeholders as they may/may not differ from your target population. For example, a vaccination policy designed to increase vaccination rates in children (target population) could be designed for an audience of parents, health care providers, community agencies, or other stakeholders; d) Clearly and succinctly present the issue, its context, and recommended action (includes your evaluation and recommendation of the alternative policy(ies) addressing the problem/issue).
3. Policy analyses often have a variety of fonts, pictures, and other items to convey the message in a way that attracts the reader. Sell your analysis by making it dynamic! Your analysis should be no more than 4 pages using 11 or 12 pt font. Single space is normal practice in a brief and is expected in this assignment. Use the following policy analysis examples to help inform your analysis and design of your report.
Sample Policy Analysis_Mobile Home Parks Safety-1.pdf Download Sample Policy Analysis_Mobile Home Parks Safety-1.pdf
Sample Policy Analysis_SNAP Food Assistance Program.pdf Download Sample Policy Analysis_SNAP Food Assistance Program.pdf
Sample Policy Analysis_Vaccines.pdf Download Sample Policy Analysis_Vaccines.pdf
4. To ensure you earn the maximum points for this assignment, please be considerate of your grammar, spelling, references (in-text and resource page). See the rubric for context of how your Policy Analysis will be evaluated.
Final Policy Analysis Rubric.pdf Download Final Policy Analysis Rubric.pdf
Reference:
Patton, Carl V. & Sawicki, David S. (1993). Basic Methods of Policy Analysis and Planning (3rded.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall
