Assignment: Policy Analysis

5000 words
You will need to select an actual example of a public health policy, preferably one with which you are familiar, or about which you are able to obtain detailed information. You will also need to decide on a peer-review journal (of your own choice) appropriate to the field of policy which you have chosen. Your analysis should draw on the policy frameworks and debates that have been canvassed in this topic in order to appraise the chosen policy in terms of:

• the effectiveness of its development in response to perceived public health ‘problems’;
• its actual or likely effects on programmes and practice in the field; and,
• the extent to which it takes into account existing research in the area and/or its implications for future research.

The paper based on this analysis should demonstrate a sound knowledge of the literature in the relevant field, current debates and alternative policy strategies. It should provide evidence of your ability to analyse the ways in which public health problems are represented in policies and the solutions that are presumed to follow.

Specifically, the paper must address the following assessment criteria, it should:

• Provide evidence of critical analysis of the processes of policy formulation and development of the policy. In cases where this information is not accessible to the student it will be necessary to explain why and to address the implications of this for the analysis.
• Take account of contextual factors relevant to the policy, for example, workforce and other resource requirements, the division of responsibility for the policy area between sectors, and any education or training implications.
• Examine in detail the extent to which the policy has resulted (or is likely to result) in programmes that address the social determinants of health.
• Provide recommendations for the future advancement of the policy area and related programmes, in particular regarding research opportunities, with a view to the reduction of health inequities in the area