This is the only resource to provide a step-by-step framework and expert guidance for preparing a policy analysis final paper or a capstone project for courses in health policy and health policy analysis. Building on a blend of theory and political considerations for creating a successful policy analysis, the text guides students through the process of building an analysis that encompasses policy background, issue statement, normative and stakeholder analysis, criteria for success, systematic review of policy options, recommendations, and a strategy for adoption. To illustrate each step of the process, the text traces the development of a policy on childhood obesity, the framework of which is directly applicable to a broad spectrum of policy analysis projects.
The text explains why each component of the health policy analysis framework is important and includes concrete guidance for obtaining resources and requisite tools for completing each task. It emphasizes the need for both objective research and the ability to understand the perspectives of stakeholders as well as the potential strengths, weaknesses, and biases of various sources. The book underscores the importance of considering alternatives in making policy recommendation a reality. Additionally, it focuses on understanding political realities and policy process to successfully navigate the system. Breakout boxes feature state-of-the-art examples to demonstrate the frameworkís application. The book also includes chapter summaries to reinforce the material and questions to spur further thought. The authors are health professionals connected nationally to relevant groups (e.g., AUPHA, APHA, Robert Wood Johnson, and environmental health policy groups), and have extensive networks in practice and academia.
Key Features:- Builds on a blend of theory and political considerations to create a successful policy analysis
- Provides a step-by-step framework for constructing a health policy analysis with real world application
- Integrates a variety of disciplines into the policy analysis
- Traces the development of a policy on childhood obesity to illustrate each step of the process
- Offers viable solutions to questions and issues students struggle with while preparing their analysis
Autorentext
Robert J. McGrath, II, PhD, is the current Everett B. Sackett Professor, Chair and Director of Graduate Programs in the Department of Health Management and Policy, University of New Hampshire. He is affiliated with AUPHA, APHA, New Hampshire Public Health Association, Academy Health, and is Founding Director for the New Hampshire Health Information Center (NHHIC). Dr. McGrath's areas of expertise and teaching credentials include U.S. Health Care Systems, Health Care Research Health Policy, Health Policy Analysis, Biostatistics, and Survey Research Methods. He has published book chapters, numerous professional journal articles, working papers and issue briefs.
Inhalt
Preface xi
Acknowledgments xvii
1. Health Policy Analysis 1
Politics and Policy 1
The Policy-Making Process 3
Health and Health Policy 5
Health Policy Analysis 6
Evidence-Based Health Policy 8
Effectiveness 8
Efficiency 12
Allocative and Production Efficiency 13
Types of Efficiency Studies 14
Equity 16
Integrative Frameworks 17
National Efforts of Health Policy Analysis 20
Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality 21
Congressional Budget Office 22
Government Accountability Office 22
The Institute of Medicine 23
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute 23
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 24
Private Policy Research Institutes 25
Data 26
Analytical Studies 34
Health Policy Analysis 37
Summary 38
Some Things to Remember 39
Key Words 40
2. Mechanics 41
Table of Contents 42
Executive Summary 43
Definitions/Abbreviations 45
Other Appendices 49
Summary 49
Some Things to Remember 50
Key Words 50
3. Policy Background 51
History 51
The Obesity Issue 56
Policy Significance 59
Legal Authority/Flexibility 62
Model Programs/Policies 65
Relationships to Other Policy Issues 69
Policy Agenda 71
Summary 73
Some Things to Remember 74
Key Words 75
4. Statement of Policy Issue 77
Policy Issue Statement 77
What Does a Policy Issue Statement Look Like? 83
Summary 86
Some Things to Remember 87
Key Words 87
5. Normative Values and Stakeholder Analysis 89
The Role of Values 89
Stakeholder Analysis 104
Summary 112
Some Things to Remember 113
Key Words 113
6. Criteria for Success 115
Definition of Success 116
Measurement 122
Summary 127
Some Things to Remember 128
Key Words 128
7. Systematic Review of Policy Options 129
Incrementalism 129
Evidence 132
Peer-Reviewed Literature 138
Grey Literature 143
Interviews and Focus Groups 153
When to Call it Quits 156
Summary 158
Some Things to Remember 158
Key Words 159
8. Recommendation and Strategies 161
Recommendation 161
Strategies 168
Legislative Strategy 168
Administrative Strategies 178
Litigation Strategy 180
Summary 183
Some Things to Remember 186
Key Words 187
References 189
Index 207