Module 4: Background of the Health Policy Problem

At the conclusion of this module, participants will be able to:

• practice gathering credible data.
• explain the importance of identifying policies.
• recognize to prioritize the policy options.

1. Evidence on the health issue
   1. Gathering Credible Evidence
   2. Existing Data or Needed Data
   3. Evaluative Criteria for Decision-Making/Key Factors
   4. Key Stakeholders 
2. Gaining access to research (evidence-based)

Your background should be structured so that it goes from discussing the importance of the health issue, the gap in knowledge based on the literature regarding the health issue, and how your analysis will help to fill in this gap. The background should include factual information needed to understand the problem, including epidemiological data, impact, and scope of the problem, and who is affected. This section is informational, not analytical, so the information provided should include facts, not opinion. To complete this, you will need to have an idea of what health issue you want to use to review a few options before completing the literature review in case you need to change your topic based on the policy or policies available. Note that you must only select one policy to analyze. When reviewing the evidence on the health issue, assess what the historical context on this health issue and policy is? And what is the value of the policy? Then look at existing data or possible data that you think you may need by reviewing the following questions what might be the unintended positive and negative consequences of the policy? Are there gaps in the data or evidence-based research? Then when evaluating the criteria to make and take the decision, to be sure to frame your criteria on the impact of risk factors and quality of life, also known as QALY. To gain access to research, utilize google scholar if you do not have access to a university library.