policy analysis essay examples

How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper in 6 Easy Steps (+Examples)

Working on a policy analysis paper is both challenging and fulfilling. In this article, we'll guide you through the process, whether you're new to the field or experienced. Understanding how policies are made, evaluated, and recommended is crucial for making a difference in public discussions and decisions. We'll cover everything from defining your goals to researching thoroughly, analyzing data, and presenting persuasive arguments. By following these steps, you'll be able to communicate your ideas effectively, shape procedure debates, and contribute to positive changes in society. Should you need more hands-on aid with the assignment, hire a college essay writer for the maximum result.

What Is a Policy Analysis Paper

A policy analysis essay definition is a comprehensive examination and evaluation of a particular policy or set of policies within a given context. It involves analyzing the rationale behind the system, its objectives, implementation strategies, and its intended and unintended consequences. This type of paper aims to provide insights into the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and feasibility of the approach, often considering various perspectives, stakeholders, and alternatives. Through rigorous research, data analysis, and critical reasoning, procedure analysis papers aim to inform decision-makers, scholars, and the public about the strengths and weaknesses of existing policies and propose recommendations for improvement or alternative courses of action.

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Policy Analysis Paper Purpose

The purpose of a policy analysis paper is to critically assess a specific procedure or set of policies in order to provide valuable insights into its effectiveness, implications, and potential areas for improvement. By examining the underlying rationale, objectives, and outcomes of the implementation, this type of paper aims to inform decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public about its strengths, weaknesses, and impacts on society. 

Students are writing a policy analysis paper in college for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to develop critical thinking and analytical skills by evaluating real-world policies and their implications. Additionally, it helps students understand the complexities of policy-making processes and how policies impact various stakeholders. Writing analysis papers also enhances research and writing skills, as students must gather and synthesize information from diverse sources to support their arguments effectively. Furthermore, engaging with procedure analysis fosters civic engagement and social responsibility, encouraging students to contribute to public discourse and advocate for evidence-based solutions. Are you dealing with multiple assignments all at the same time? If you’re about to address the audience, say, ‘ write a speech for me ,’ so our experts can relieve your workload.

Topic Ideas for Policy Analysis Paper

Here’s a collection of 50 thought-provoking policy analysis paper topics for your inspiration. In addition, we’d like to offer you informative essay topics for the purpose of learning and self-education.

• The viability of a universal healthcare system: An analysis.
• Plastic bag bans: Environmental implications examined.
• Tax credits for renewable energy adoption: Assessing effectiveness.
• Social security and raising the retirement age: Exploring implications.
• Implementing a four-day workweek: Feasibility assessment.
• Community policing strategies: Effectiveness in crime reduction.
• Increasing the minimum wage: Consequences evaluated.
• School voucher programs: Impact on educational equity.
• Congestion pricing for urban areas: Benefits and drawbacks analyzed.
• Government subsidies for electric vehicles: Effectiveness assessed.
• Zoning laws and affordable housing availability: An investigation.
• National carbon tax: Feasibility and impact explored.
• Mandatory voting laws: Consequences for political participation.
• Drug rehabilitation programs: Effectiveness in reducing recidivism.
• Legalizing marijuana: Public health implications examined.
• Immigration policies and cultural diversity: Assessing impact.
• Privatizing water utilities: Consequences analyzed.
• Anti-bullying policies in schools: Effectiveness evaluated.
• Free college tuition programs: Benefits and drawbacks assessed.
• Wealth tax implementation: Feasibility analysis.
• Ride-sharing services and traditional taxi industries: Impact assessment.
• Gender quotas in corporate leadership: Effectiveness examined.
• National gun registry: Implications and feasibility explored.
• Expanding nuclear energy production: Consequences evaluated.
• Mandatory parental leave policies: Effectiveness assessment.
• Charter school expansion: Impact on public education explored.
• Basic income implementation: Viability and consequences assessed.
• Affordable housing initiatives: Success factors examined.
• Internet privacy regulations: Impact on data security analyzed.
• Corporate tax breaks: Economic implications assessed.
• Universal preschool programs: Long-term benefits explored.
• Climate change adaptation policies: Effectiveness in resilience building.
• Universal voting by mail: Implications for voter turnout examined.
• Reducing military spending: Consequences and feasibility analyzed.
• Workplace diversity training: Effectiveness in promoting inclusivity.
• Renewable energy subsidies: Impact on energy independence assessed.
• Telecommuting incentives: Feasibility and impact on traffic analyzed.
• Carbon capture and storage initiatives: Viability and effectiveness.
• Local food sourcing policies: Benefits for communities examined.
• Police body camera mandates: Impact on accountability assessed.
• Community land trust programs: Success factors and limitations.
• Mental health parity laws: Effectiveness in improving access.
• Corporate social responsibility regulations: Impact on sustainability.
• Universal pre-kindergarten education: Social and economic benefits.
• Land value tax implementation: Impact on property markets assessed.
• Affordable childcare initiatives: Impact on workforce participation.
• Smart city technology investments: Benefits for urban development.
• Flexible work hour policies: Impact on productivity and well-being.
• Prescription drug pricing regulations: Consequences for affordability.
• Public-private partnerships for infrastructure development: Effectiveness and risks assessed.

If you need more ideas, you may want to consult our guide on argumentative essay topics , which will definitely help kickstart your creativity. 

How to Structure a Policy Analysis Paper

A policy analysis paper format demands organizing your content coherently and logically to effectively communicate your analysis and findings. Here's a typical structure you can follow:

Introduction

• Provide an overview of the issue or problem you're analyzing.
• Clearly state the purpose of your analysis.
• Introduce the policy or policies under review.
• Provide background information to contextualize the issue.
• State your thesis or research question.

Policy Context and Background

• Provide more in-depth background information on the issue.
• Describe the historical development of the policies.
• Discuss the context in which the procedure was implemented.
• Identify key stakeholders and their interests in the strategy.

Policy Analysis Framework

• Explain the framework or methodology you're using to analyze the policy.
• Define key concepts and terms relevant to your analysis.
• Discuss any theoretical frameworks or models guiding your analysis.
• Outline the criteria or criteria you will use to evaluate the procedure's effectiveness.

Policy Goals and Objectives

• Identify and discuss the stated goals and objectives of the policy.
• Evaluate the clarity and coherence of these goals.
• Discuss any potential conflicts or contradictions among the goals.

Policy Implementation

• Describe how the policy has been implemented in practice.
• Discuss any challenges or barriers to implementation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of implementation strategies.

Policy Outcomes and Impacts

• Assess the outcomes and impacts of the policy.
• Evaluate the extent to which the procedure has achieved its intended goals.
• Discuss any unintended consequences or side effects of the approach.

Policy Alternatives

• Identify and discuss alternative policy options or approaches.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative.
• Discuss the potential trade-offs associated with each alternative.

Recommendations

• Based on your analysis, provide recommendations for policymakers.
• Discuss specific actions or changes that could improve the process.
• Justify your recommendations with evidence from your analysis.
• Summarize the main findings of your analysis.
• Restate your thesis or research question.
• Reflect on the broader implications of your analysis.
• Discuss any limitations or areas for further research.
• Provide a list of sources cited in your paper.
• Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

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How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper

In this section, we'll cover the basics of writing a policy analysis paper. This type of paper involves breaking down complicated policy issues, figuring out how well they're working, and suggesting ways to make them better. We'll walk you through the steps, like defining the goals of the implementation, looking at how it's being put into action, and checking what effects it's having. By the end, you'll have the skills to write a clear, well-reasoned paper that can help shape policies for the better. 

Understanding the Policy Issue

Start by thoroughly understanding the policy issue or problem you're analyzing. Research its background, context, and significance. Identify key stakeholders, relevant laws or regulations, and any existing policies addressing the issue.

Defining the Scope and Purpose

Clearly define the scope and purpose of your analysis. Determine what specific aspect of the approach you'll focus on and why it's important. Clarify the goals of your analysis and what you hope to achieve with your paper. Use an expert essay writing service to streamline your effort in producing a first-class paper. 

Gathering Data and Evidence

Collect relevant data and evidence to support your analysis. This may include statistical information, case studies, expert opinions, and academic research. Use credible sources and ensure your data is accurate and up-to-date.

Analyzing the Policy

A policy analysis paper evaluates the legislative program’s effectiveness, strengths, weaknesses, and implications. Use a structured approach, such as a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or cost-benefit analysis, to assess the procedure from multiple perspectives. Consider its intended goals, implementation strategies, outcomes, and unintended consequences. If you need help with SWOT analysis, using our analytical essay writing service is highly recommended. 

Developing Recommendations

Based on your analysis, develop clear and actionable recommendations for policymakers or stakeholders. Identify specific changes or improvements that could enhance the system’s effectiveness or address its shortcomings. Support your recommendations with evidence and reasoning.

Writing and Communicating Your Analysis

Organize your analysis into a coherent and persuasive paper. Structure your paper with an introduction, background information, analysis, recommendations, and conclusion. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms unless necessary. Provide citations for your sources and evidence. Finally, ensure your paper is well-written, logically organized, and effectively communicates your insights and recommendations.

Policy Analysis Paper Example

A policy analysis paper example serves as a valuable learning tool for students by providing a concrete model to follow and reference when undertaking their own analysis assignments. By studying an example paper, students can gain insights into the structure, content, and methodology of analysis, helping them understand how to effectively frame their analysis, support their arguments with evidence, and formulate actionable recommendations.

Example 1: “Implementing Universal Basic Income”

This policy analysis paper examines the feasibility and potential impacts of implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program in the United States. It explores various options for UBI design, including cost and financing considerations, labor market effects, poverty reduction potential, and administrative feasibility. By reviewing existing evidence and debates surrounding UBI, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting such a program, ultimately highlighting the need for careful analysis, experimentation, and stakeholder engagement in shaping effective UBI policies.

Example 2: “Addressing Climate Change through Carbon Pricing”

This policy analysis paper examines the role of carbon pricing policies in addressing climate change, evaluating their efficacy, implementation challenges, and potential impacts. Carbon pricing mechanisms, including carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems, aim to internalize the external costs of carbon emissions and incentivize emission reductions. The paper discusses the economic efficiency of carbon pricing in promoting innovation and investment in clean technologies while also addressing equity considerations regarding its distributional impacts on low-income households and vulnerable communities.

Writing a policy analysis paper is super important for students because it helps them learn how to tackle tough societal problems and make smart decisions. You get to sharpen your thinking skills, learn how to research thoroughly and become better at expressing yourself clearly. Plus, writing these papers helps students practice effectively communicating their ideas, which is a skill they'll need in their future careers, whether they work in government, nonprofits, or elsewhere. By digging into real-world issues, students also get a better grip on how politics, economics, and society all fit together. If you’re not committed to handling this task yourself, instruct our experts, saying, ‘ write my essay ,’ and receive the most competent help within hours. 

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What Is a Policy Analysis Paper Outline?

How to write a policy analysis paper, what is a policy analysis paper, related articles.

• Peterborough

How to Write a Policy Assignment

What is a policy assignment, policy critique.

• Policy Brief/Briefing Note

Reading and Analyzing Policy

Writing policy assignments, research and writing process.

Understanding, evaluating, and writing policy documents are important competencies to develop as undergraduate students in a wide range of fields, spanning from Health Care to Environmental Science to Education. Policy is informed by strong research and accurate evidence, often compiled and presented by government and non-governmental organizations. Public policies include formal legislation, official plans, and regulations created by various levels of government. Each of these can act as guiding principles for governmental decision making and program delivery. Non-governmental and para-governmental organizations publish policy briefs, commission reports, and fact sheets to inform policy makers and recommend policy change.

Course instructors often ask students to analyze policy documents to better understand issues and policy alternatives, and students in many disciplines must write policy documents, including critiques and briefs or briefing notes. This guide offers steps to reading policy and keys for effective policy writing.

Types of Policy Assignments

In a policy critique, students are expected to read and critically analyze one or more policy documents that address a common issue. The goal of this assignment is to present an overall assessment of current or proposed policies and their efficacy or potential considering both scholarly theory and real-world, practical application with consideration of environmental, social, or economic contexts.

Proposed structure

• Issue: what is the policy in question?
• Background: where did it emerge? What problem does it try to address?
• Application: so far, based on evidence, how effective has it been?
• Limits: what are limits with the policy? How has it been adapted? What questions remain?
• Evaluation/potential: based on concepts and theories from course materials, what is the potential for this policy to address particular issue/problem?

Policy Brief (Briefing Note)

Policy briefs or briefing notes are documents written by governmental and non-governmental organizations to propose evidence-based policy solutions to a well-defined social, environmental, or economic issue. Briefs present findings from academic and grey literature to demonstrate the scope of an issue and to analyze its context and background. The brief is organized with clear headings and short sections, which are supported by figures or tables.

• Executive Summary: similar to an abstract, briefly explains the goal, findings, and recommendations. Although it is placed first in the document, it is written last.
• Issue Definition: identify and explain the key issue and its scope and significance.
• Policy Background: synthesize evidence to explain the context of the issue – its origins, key stakeholders, overlapping issues, and potential barriers – and any existing policy.
• Best Practices: describe relevant policies from other jurisdictions and introduce specific examples of policy and best practices that reinforce the argument your briefing note presents.
• Policy Options: synthesize your research to present a few policy options; for each option, describe the approach and present advantages, challenges, and potential barriers. Present one policy recommendation from these options.
• References: divide references into sections (e.g., academic sources, grey literature, policy documents etc.)

Each policy document is focused on a specific issue and establishes particular goals; when you read any policy document, you are working to understand and analyze the issue and how the policy addresses the issue. These messages are often presented in different ways. Policy briefs are, well, brief, but other policy documents or commissioned reports can be quite lengthy, so it is important to develop a reading strategy for each new document. Generally, it is best to follow this process: preview, plan, read and take notes, and assess within course context.

Because policy documents vary significantly in form and purpose, it is essential to preview the document prior to reading it: identify its author, its purpose, and its form. Take time to read the executive summary, which presents a short explanation of the issue and purpose of the document. Understand its authorship and the interests of the individual or organizational author.

Make a plan

Identify your goal in reading the document: do you wish to better understand the issue, to identify policy alternatives, to appreciate broader context, or to determine efficacy of policy? How will this document inform your understanding of the issue you are studying? What sections will be most useful or relevant?

Read and take notes

Your preview and plan can direct your reading and notetaking. Read closely to understand the policy or issue, its context, and the evidence used to support it. Identify stakeholders and their interests, the goals of the policy and how those goals are measurable and actionable. You may find it helpful to refer to the table of contents or index (or to use the ‘find’ tool in your browser) to seek out sections that contain relevant keywords in documents spanning more than 100 pages.

Assess policy within course context

Refer to theories, frameworks, and indices that you have discussed in class to assess a policy. Consider whether it follows a particular conceptual framework or achieves particular numerical targets. Compare it to other policies in similar contexts and analyze its parts to assess its adaptability to different contexts. Evaluate its fit to the specific issue and its relevance for various stakeholder needs or values.

Reading an Official Plan

An official plan is often a lengthy document that covers many topics and issues within a set of overarching goals for an organization, like a university, hospital, or municipality. Your aim should be to understand the overarching goals of the plan and its broader context, which are likely laid out in the executive summary and introductory sections. Then you may need to seek out references to a particular topic, issue, or stakeholder; the index, table of contents, or “find” tool can be helpful for this.

Reading a Policy Brief

The goal of a policy brief is to inform and persuade policy makers, so your aim should be to understand the issue the brief identifies and to analyze the policy it proposes. The structure and design of the policy brief will guide your reading. Take time to understand the context of the issue and the policy: who are the stakeholders, what are the goals, what is the process, and what are the barriers? Analyze the policy within the disciplinary concepts you’re learning in class; how does the policy fit particular frameworks, theories, or indices you’ve discussed? What is unique about this policy? How can this policy be adapted to different contexts? What is its potential to address the issue?

Successful policy assignments are focused, well-researched, analytical, organized, and concise. Therefore, it is important to take time to define the issue, understand the context of the issue, and seek out policy alternatives prior to identifying a recommended course of action.

• Focused Issue
• Using Research
• Demonstrating Analysis
• Organized, Concise, and Clear Writing

Focused issue

It is essential that you present a focused and clear issue, and that issue must be at the scale of policy action. For example, policy briefs can address ER wait times or agricultural pesticide use, but issues such as access to health care or the sustainability of food production are too complex for you to address in a short policy assignment. Often, course material and core concepts provide useful direction for you to narrow your issue.

In policy assignments, an issue is clearly defined and contextualized with evidence from scholarly and grey literature. It is important for you to explain how scholars, governments, or NGOs have discussed the issue, and numerical data or figures can demonstrate the scale of an issue or its projected trajectory. Provide details about the issue in its context: be specific about place, time, and stakeholders, and acknowledge any overlapping economic, environmental, or social issues.

Example: Effective issue definition 1

Age-friendly municipalities foster solidarity among generations within communities and reach out to older people at risk of isolation by making them feel socially included and involved (WHO, 2007). It is well documented that these trends are happening across Canada, and evidence suggests that local governments have a key role in enabling older people to live longer. It is unclear to what degree Aurora’s municipal government is prepared to support its expanding ageing population. It is essential to continue to examine new approaches to housing and transportation infrastructure within Aurora in order to improve public policy matters in regards to their ageing population.

• Issue is grounded by focused concept and evidence; writer demonstrates value of municipal policy to address the issue
• Writer precisely identifies the issue to be discussed in brief and the goals of the report

Example: Ineffective issue definition 1

In addition to the infrastructure issue in Peterborough, there is also an issue regarding how spread out the community is. The city is too big for residents to be able to walk the entire city. Amenities are also very spread out; it is unlikely that pedestrians would be able to access the required amenities within walking distance from their house. Ultimately, the main issues surrounding the walkability in the City of Peterborough are the lack of infrastructure and maintenance, as well as the lack of available activities near to peoples’ residences.

• Not grounded in conceptual framework or theory; writer needs to explain why walkability is an issue that a municipality should address
• Lack of precision or evidence to support claims about the size of the city or accessibility to amenities

Using research

Policy is informed by evidence from scholarly literature, government data, and research by various stakeholder organizations. Effective policy assignments synthesize evidence from academic and grey literature to create an accurate account of the issue and policy options. Common forms of evidence in policy writing include numerical and financial data, figures such as graphs and maps, excerpts from existing policies, recommendations from NGOs, and conceptual frameworks.

In policy writing, your goal is to present research both accurately and accessibly, as decision-makers in government and business may not be familiar with terminology or concepts presented by scholars. Make efforts to paraphrase the evidence you use and be sure to include citations in the form requested by your professor (footnotes or author-date systems are common).

One of the key factors in Municipal Cultural Planning is increasing cross-sectoral strategies by building new partnerships “…between the municipality and its community and business partners” (Municipal Cultural Plan, toolkit, 2011, p.21) for long term sustainability. Therefore, municipal cultural planning “…does not look at policy sectorally” (Gollmitzer, 2008, p.18), but instead strengthens and integrates “…cultural resources across all facets of government planning and decision making” (Municipal Cultural Plan Toolkit, 2011, p.21). Building new networks are supported by leveraging the sense of place within a community. Adopting a place-based planning approach allows “…government, community organizations and citizens to explore, measure and asses the values, resources and assets of the community” (Huhtala, 2016, p.66), in order to leverage them for economic prosperity.

• Writer synthesizes academic and grey literature to demonstrate how concepts are applied in policy.
• Writer also demonstrates analysis of evidence and its relevance to the brief’s focused issue.
• Use of direct quotation can feature the language of a policy if the writer wishes to analyze discourse; however, this excerpt relies too heavily on direct quotation, and it would be stronger if this evidence was paraphrased.

Demonstrating analysis

The quality of your policy assignment is closely tied to your analysis of the issue and the policy options you present. It is important to evaluate policy options as you research and to critically analyze how those options address the issue within its particular context. Take time to examine specific factors and parties involved in an issue and consider how these factors may facilitate or challenge each policy option; furthermore, you should also assess the advantages and disadvantages of each policy option and its impacts on these factors or parties.

You may find it valuable to consider theories, concepts, or frameworks from your course to develop your argument and to establish coherence throughout your assignment. If you assess all policy options through the same critical lens or theory, then your message will be clear and consistent throughout your document.

Integrating senior housing into the fabric of the inner core communities could make housing developments viable and situate seniors in settings where they can access these services by foot or nearby transit (Fang, 2013).  This concept can allow seniors, who may be considering downsizing, to remain within their community where they can keep active, live within easy access to medical and community services, and stay close to their support network that they have spent their lives establishing. However, the growing demand for these developments could put major pressure on the municipality.  City officials would have to amend current zoning by-laws to allow commercial and residential uses to be a part of mixed-use development and appropriate provisions need to be provided to ensure compatibility and to minimize potential negative impacts. 

• Writer presents both advantages and challenges of policy option within common concept of healthy aging communities.
• Writer also includes potential impacts and barriers of policy option, which demonstrates their consideration of the issue and its context.

Organized, concise, and clear writing

Policy writing should be well-organized and easy to follow. Use headings and subheadings to create structure and to support your reader. It is common to number sections and subsections to further clarify the order of your ideas. In addition, good paragraph structure also supports organization and clarity, so we encourage you to use specific topic sentences to introduce the main idea of a paragraph.

Well-written policy assignments employ a formal writing style and use third-person voice (e.g., they) rather than first-person (e.g., I, we) or second-person (e.g., you) voice. Further, they avoid jargon, but use specific and clear language. When you revise your draft, take time to consider each sentence and remove repetitive or redundant phrases and words.

Finally, it is important to pay attention to the details. Label any figures or tables in your document; make reference to these figures or tables in the text of your work (e.g., see Figure 1). Also be sure to follow assignment instructions for referencing evidence in your text (e.g., footnotes or author-date system) and in your list of sources, which is often categorized by type of source (e.g., academic, government, NGOs).

There are many ways to approach a policy assignment, but it is important to take time to research and analyze issues and policy options thoroughly prior to writing. Consider the following steps to complete your policy assignment:

• Read assignment instructions closely
• Preliminary research: review course materials, brainstorm, conduct environmental scan or site visit, consider current issues relevant to course concepts
• Define issue: consider questions and frameworks
• Research issue and context
• Research and evaluate policy alternatives in other places
• Analyze policy alternatives and consider fit for current issue and context; select policy options to present
• Outline sections: what evidence goes where? How does evidence work together?
• Write sections (leave Executive Summary until last)
• Revise for organization, analysis, and use of evidence. See Strategies for Revision and Proofreading.
• Edit for clarity, concision, and grammar
• Complete final proof of document
• These examples are not to be reproduced in whole or part. Use of the ideas or words in this example is an act of plagiarism, which is subject to academic integrity policy at Trent University and other academic institutions.

Health Care Policy Analysis

How it works

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Problem Statement
• 3 Existing Policy
• 4 IV Selecting the evaluation criteria
• 5 Efficiency
• 6 Improved Health Outcomes
• 8 Constructing the Options
• 9 Comprehensive Contraception Coverage
• 10 Recommendation

Introduction

Women’s reproductive rights have been an ongoing issue the United States has dealt with for decades. The main issues surrounding women’s rights, namely the woman’s right to choose, has been debated and politicized, often times with out the actual input from a woman. This policy analysis will examine the relationship between politicizing the reproductive rights of women coupled with the rights of employers to refuse coverage for birth control and the policies surrounding these issues.

In 2018, Federal policy makers finalized policy changes that gives employers the right to deny or opt out of coverage of birth control to women on the grounds of religion or moral conflict.

The number of women this will effect is not well numerated; however, one can deduce that a multitude of women and families will be affected. Many of which who do not share the same moral or religious convictions of their employer.

Roe vs. Wade is a court decision made by the supreme court in 1973, with this decision the supreme court ruled that a woman has the right to safe and legal abortion. The ruling cemented the right to abortions at a time when women died during or after unsafe illegal abortions. In 2019, with the confirmation of supreme court justice Kavanaugh, a political conservative, abortion rights are at risk of being overturned, or weakened. With this comes the concern that overturning of the federal policy, will give the decision to the individual state as to the decision of abortion rights. In some states this may lead to the outright restriction of abortion without exception, especially abortion greater than 20 weeks.

The issue becomes intensified given that some employers, especially those with religious affiliations, have banned coverage for birth control. This presents an important moral dilemma for the woman, on one hand she can’t obtain birth control, on the other when she gets pregnant, she does not have the option to a safe legal abortion. This is important because it completely takes the authority over one’s own body from the woman. It places the dominion and power of a woman into the hands of politicians and policy makers.

Problem Statement

There is currently, and historically, a need for birth control for women to have autonomy over the timeframe she wants to have a child, if at all. Taking the option for insurance covered birth control away from the woman, while simultaneously reversing abortion laws such as Roe vs wade has dangerous implications for the health, physical and social well-being, political position and rights of a woman. This sets a precedence for an attack on womanhood, reproductive rights and family planning on ones on time. This also gives forced religious conformity on the woman, based on the religious beliefs of her employer.

Relevance and timeliness of this issue is evidence by the recent appointment of conservative supreme court justice Kavanaugh, as well as the recent supreme court ruling in Burwell Vs. Hobby Lobby. In Burwell vs. Hobby Lobby the supreme court ruled that companies had the right to refuse coverage of contraception to their employees. These employers were given a year’s “safe haven” to work with stakeholders to determine contraceptive coverage in each state. In this way, control over religious exemption policies for contraceptive coverage has been devolved to individual states. Policies in California and New York, for example, mirror the narrow criteria for religious exemption outlined in the original Affordable Care Act language. In contrast, Florida and Texas have no official policies on exemption, making it easier to refuse coverage on religious grounds. Also, attacks on the affordable care act has, finalized late 2018, allowed religious organizations to claim exemptions on to the affordable care act, allowing them to decline birth control coverage based on moral and religious objections (Batra & Bird 2015).

Understanding the political agenda to restrict women’s reproductive rights is important. According to Fried (2013), Immediately following the Roe vs Wade decision, the anti-abortion movement gained momentum. It became part of the burgeoning New Right-Wing agenda, which, with the election of President Reagan, consolidated its power. Steeped in religious dogma and fear-mongering, the issue of abortion and birth control went from a decision up to an individual, to the political agenda of the conservatives. Much of the current debate surrounding family planning focuses on women’s reproductive rights and health. In the 1960s, however, proponents of these programs often emphasized their links to the economy. Both President Lyndon Johnson and President Nixon stressed how family planning programs would promote the opportunities of children and families and thus drive economic growth (Bailey, 2013)

The stakeholders in this ongoing issue are the woman, the organization withholding the coverage of birth control and the pro-life movement. Pro-life movements such as the American Life League, ALL, the Catholic church and other religious groups opposes abortion and contraception under any circumstances. Other stakeholders include organizations such as planned parenthood which is a pro-choice organization. According to Planned Parenthood, the stance they take regarding the issue includes the belief that, women facing an unintended pregnancy must have access to safe, legal abortion services without exception. Also, they believe that all people deserve access to birth control and other preventative services. Planned Parenthood vigorously opposes the religious and moral exemptions to deny access to contraception, stating, refusal laws are a license to discriminate.

Government intervention on this issue is of major importance. According to the New York times, in federal Judge Haywood’s recent, the judge stated, decision women who lose their entitlement to cost-free contraceptives are less likely to use an effective method, or any method at all — resulting in unintended pregnancies. Moreover, many of these women are likely to turn to state programs to obtain free contraceptives, at significant cost to the states. This is one example that illustrates why the government should have an interest in this issue (Pear, 2019). More insurance covered birth control, will equal less cots to the states and less unwanted pregnancies. More un-intended pregnancies will lead to more illegal unsafe abortions. More access to effective contraception will lead to less unwanted abortions.

Church and state are also separated in the United states of America. Americans practice many different religious doctrines and have many different interpretations. According to work by Srikanthan and Reid (2008), religious and cultural factors have the potential to influence the acceptance and use of contraception by couples from different religious backgrounds in very distinct ways. Within religions, different sects may interpret religious teachings on this subject in varying ways, and individual women and their partners may choose to ignore religious teachings. Cultural factors are equally important in couples’ decisions about family size and contraception. According to research by Kavanaugh and Anderson (2013), access to safe, effective contraception is both a public health and feminist imperative. Family planning products and services are associated with a range of health benefits, including reduced unintended pregnancies, improved infant health, and lowered pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality. Kavanaugh and Anderson go on to state, couples who do not use contraception have an 85% chance of experiencing and unplanned pregnancy. All this illustrates the implications of denying and restricting access to birth control based on someone else’s religious will.

As policy is being shaped, and the affordable care act is being changed by the current administration to eliminate the mandate of all employers to provide birth control as a penetrative service, protection of women’s rights has become an issue at the fore front of current conversation. The current climate of political gender wars sets the climate for alternative concepts to protect the interest of women and families. Different methods should be explored and evaluated for practicality, that protect the religious freedoms of all involved parties, including the woman, at the center of this issue.

This issue also becomes a socio-economic attack on poorer women, it is a well-known fact that women in a higher socioeconomic class have less children than the women with lesser incomes, this troubling truth becomes exponentially wider when access to proper contraception coverage is blocked and denied by an employer.

Existing Policy

In November 2018, the current administration, under the leadership of President Trump, finalized policy that vastly expanded the types of employers that are exempt from the Affordable Care Acts requirement for preventative services such as contraception. Previous regulations, under the Obama administration, only gave exemptions to houses of worship or hospitals with religious affiliation. Current regulations allow nonprofit or for-profit employers with an objection to contraceptive coverage based on religious beliefs or moral objections to qualify for an exemption and drop contraceptive coverage from their plans. The current regulations also apply to institutions of higher learning that cover students. This opens the door for any employer or university to qualify for an exemption on the grounds of religious or moral opposition. This denies the female employee and student the option to birth control at no cost to her.

Policy makers and government officials at the individual state level should act in the wake of these recent federal changes. State coverage requirements are a strong defense for the women in the respective states. According to recommendations by Sonfield (2017), all states could act to ensure that health plans cover the full list of contraceptive methods and services required under the federal guarantee. That includes services such as female sterilization procedures and many contraceptive products sold over the counter including emergency contraception. Sonfield goes on to assert, advocates and policymakers should seize on that popularity and build on the momentum from new state policies. They should put public pressure on insurance companies and employers to retain full coverage of contraceptive care. And they should set the groundwork for a new federal law to override what would be a harmful and unpopular decision by the Trump administration.

IV Selecting the evaluation criteria

Criteria that if met, would rectify or mitigate the problem include the utilitarian approach that states that actions are morally right if and only if they maximize the well-being or, alternatively, minimizes the bad. It moves beyond the scope of one’s own interest or beliefs and takes into account the interest of others. As such, restriction of contraception paid by employers should be eliminated, because it does not maximize the well-being of the woman. Nor does it minimize the bad for the woman and family in that the elimination of authority on ones on body creates the possibility for unwanted pregnancy. To rectify the problem, the option for employers to claim religious and moral exemptions should be eliminates. In evaluation of this criteria, the following where applied; Efficiency, Improved health outcomes, Equity.

As summarized by Sonfield (2014), a 2012 analysis by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, coverage of contraception without patient out-of-pocket costs should not raise insurance costs and is likely cost-saving. The federal government, the nation’s largest employer, reported no increase in costs after Congress required coverage of contraceptives for federal employees in 1998. Moreover, studies comparing the cost-effectiveness of contraceptives find that all methods save insurers money, after the costs of unintended pregnancies averted are accounted for with the most effective methods being among the most cost-effective ones. Additionally, according to Frost, Zolna and Frohwirth (2013) by helping women avoid unintended pregnancies, public funding for contraceptive services in 2010 resulted in net public savings of $10.5 billion, or $5.68 for every dollar spent. Those savings accrue to Medicaid for costs of pregnancy-related care and infant care.

Improved Health Outcomes

Contraception use results in unintended pregnancy and reduces therapeutic abortion. Adolescents who receive comprehensive counseling and face no cost barriers to contraception continue to use them long-term resulting in fewer unwanted pregnancies in that population. A no-cost contraceptive program in Colorado demonstrated an impressive 29% decrease in teen pregnancies among users compared with those relying on other methods (Batra, 2015). Unintended pregnancy may present an unacceptably high health risk for women who have underlying medical conditions, some of which are exacerbated by pregnancy. Abortion is often an indication of unintended pregnancy. The vast majority of abortions in the United States are performed safely and thus have very few negative health consequences for women. Some of the strongest evidence regarding the link between family planning and health outcomes supports the conclusion that helping women and couples to time their pregnancies and births directly improves birth outcomes. This is important because avoiding preterm birth (before 37 weeks’ gestation) and low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) significantly decreases the chances of infant mortality, birth complications and medical challenges for the baby at birth and beyond. Short birth intervals have been linked with numerous negative perinatal outcomes. (Kavanaugh & Anderson 2013).

Clearly this issue affects women only and it disproportionally affects minority and poor women. As stated previously, women with higher socioeconomic levels have less children than women with lesser incomes. Therefore, the burden of contraception restriction is placed heavier on women in lower socioeconomic class. Changing the current policy will also change the distribution of burdens and benefits in society, making it more equitable. This manifest the utilitarian approach, of being for the benefit of the greater good of women, not just the upper-echelon women in our society.

Constructing the Options

State government has to select and examine several options to rectify the problems on the federal government’s changes to the cost-sharing options for birth control portion of the Affordable care act. The alternatives include: comprehensive contraception coverage among all employers; government assuming the cost of contraception coverage; offer a religious or moral exemption for a much narrower set of explicitly religious non for-profit employers.

Comprehensive Contraception Coverage

Missouri could act to ensure that health plans cover the full list of contraceptive methods and services required under the federal guarantee, this includes; emergency contraception, IUD, female sterilization, oral contraception etc. Adding to this would be the elimination of cost sharing methods, which could be a potential barrier, such as copayments, deductibles and any other out-of-pocket costs. Sonfield (2017) even asserts that, states could help close gaps in coverage that have persisted even under the federal contraceptive coverage guarantee. They could require health plans to cover vasectomy and male condoms, Illinois, Maryland and Vermont have already required coverage for vasectomy. Other recommendations made by Sonfield include, States joining Maryland in requiring plans to cover over-the-counter contraception obtained without a prescription; currently, plans may require a prescription for these methods, which negates the advantages of over-the-counter status. States should put public pressure on insurance companies and employers to retain full coverage of contraceptive care. And they should set the groundwork for a new federal law to override what is a harmful and unpopular decision by the Trump administration.

Federal government could avoid imposing the cost on employers claiming a religious objection by instead taking on the burden itself. This option must be used only for employers who have true religious or moral objections to contraception, not just any employer who may choose to use the exemption to save expenses on pregnancy related care. The option to have women pay up front, with a reimbursement from the government later, should be excluded. As, this would create the same financial burden to the woman as having the woman cover the cost herself. While this option is not the most feasible cost wise due to the already strained system, it is better than the alternatives.

When granting exemptions to institutions, policymakers should limit them based on characteristics such as whether the institution is nonprofit or whether it is explicitly a house of worship such as a church, temple, or synagogue. Another option within this context is to allow the religious or moral exemption to be granted for services such as abortion and sterilization. However, religious and moral exemption needs to be strictly prohibited for services such as; counseling, information or referrals, to help ensure that patients understand their options, have informed consent, are not effectively abandoned by the health care system. Another option is to continue the stipulations in the original Obama era, Affordable care act. In this option Employers won’t have to arrange or pay for contraceptive coverage, but employees will still be able to access free contraceptive services at no cost, through a third party, as long as they maintain their employer plan. This ensures the religious liberty of actual religious organizations, not just and organization that has a moral objection which may not be in line with the beliefs of the actual woman.

This method does have the promise of being highly efficient and cost saving. This option will provide coverage of birth control as a comprehensive option for all. Our own federal government implemented this alternative and found no increase in cost, and high efficiency. The avoidance of unintended pregnancy, in itself, saves insurers money and as such provides evidence of the efficiency of this option. This option will naturally lead to improved health outcomes in that, contraception usage results in fewer unintended pregnancies and reduces therapeutic abortion. Also, increased autonomy over one’s own body is directly linked to increased feelings of self-esteem, leading to improved mental health and wellbeing. The criterion of equity is satisfied in that it more evenly distributes the playing field among women of color and women of lower socioeconomic levels. Satisfies the utilitarian value of being for the greater good.

This option would consist of the government taking on the cost of paying for birth control coverage for the individual whose employer has opted for the religious and moral exclusion. While this method would eliminate the woman being without coverage, it would not be highly efficient. Having the government of each state responsible for birth control coverage, would prove to put even more of a strain on an already over overwhelmed system. As with the previous option, this option will reduce unintended pregnancy. As previously stated, unintended pregnancy may present an unacceptably high health risk for women who have underlying medical conditions, some of which are exacerbated by pregnancy. Reduction of unintended pregnancy improves health outcomes for women. Changing the current policy to this alternative will change the distribution of burdens and benefits in society, making this an equitable alternative.

Efficiency in this alternative is high. Employers and insurers will still have to provide coverage for the individual regardless of moral or religious objections unless the employer is a strict place of worship. Improvements in health outcomes is high, as with the other alternative’s avoidance of unwanted pregnancy and abortion is the primary consequence. Finally, equity in this particular alternative may not be as simple. On one hand this alternative may deem equitable in that it More evenly distributes the playing field among women of color and women of lower socioeconomic levels. However, on the other hand, the employers who are unable to opt for the religious and moral objection may have the sense that their religious liberties are infringed upon. This would be an unintended consequence of this alternative.

Recommendation

Based on this policy analysis, the recommended alternative for the reformation on employer covered birth control is to provide comprehensive contraception coverage. This option has a high degree of efficiency, improved health outcomes, and proves to be equitable for the individual women. It eliminates the option that allows any employer to opt out of contraception coverage for religious or moral grounds, making it fair across the board in that it does not favor one type of employer. Women will have the added assurance of being able to plan for pregnancy rather than viewing pregnancy as something out of their control, leading to improved health outcomes. The societal distribution of opportunity will be more equitable for women of all racial and socioeconomic levels. This alternative satisfies the utilitarian value of being for the greater good of society as a whole.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Healthcare Crisis — Healthcare Policy Analysis Paper

Healthcare Policy Analysis Paper

• Categories: Healthcare Crisis

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Published: Jan 29, 2024

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Table of contents

Introduction, overview of the healthcare policy, analysis of the policy impact, assessment of policy strengths and weaknesses, public opinion and political landscape, policy recommendations.

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How to Write Policy Analysis Essays

Sharon kennedy.

The policy analysis essay is a staple for almost any college program in political science, social sciences, health sciences or the humanities. What is a policy analysis essay? It is an essay about a current policy and its effects or outcomes. Alternatively, it could be an analysis of a proposed policy and its feasibility. Normally your professor will give you an outline of what the essay should include, so make sure you follow the instructions and fulfill all the requirements. Writing a great essay is much more than just research. The structure of your essay frames the information in a way that makes it understandable, and your personal writing style adds interest.

Read the policy itself. It is usually in the form of a policy paper, but it could also be a legal document such as a bill or an international agreement. Find out on what research the policy was based, what the policy's expected outcomes are, and the plan for implementation.

Research the policy and its background. This is one of the most important steps. You should be familiar with the issue the policy deals with. For example, if you are writing an essay on health reform, you should have a good understanding of the current health system, its history, its main strengths and weaknesses, and the principal actors in the industry.

Research the outcomes or potential outcomes of the policy. A policy is a plan for action - how is it to be carried out? If it is a current policy, is it getting the results that were intended? If it is a proposed policy, what factors will affect its implementation?

Choose a frame of analysis. You need to present some criteria on which you are evaluating the policy. For example, you could do a cost-benefit analysis, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), or a Critical Theory analysis. Often your professor will tell you what kind of analysis he or she is expecting.

Start with an introduction stating the policy and the relevant issues. Outline the sections of your paper and state your main recommendations or conclusions.

Provide the background information about the issue and your chosen policy.

Explain your frame of analysis and criteria for evaluating the policy.

Elaborate your policy analysis based on the previous information. This is the most important part of your essay, as it is the actual analysis.

List policy alternatives and briefly describe how they differ from the original policy based on the criteria you are using. If you have come to the conclusion that the policy you are analyzing is not a good one, this is the section where you should explain which alternative policy you would recommend and why.

Conclude your essay by summarizing your points and restating your findings.

• 1 Boston University: Policy paper guidelines

About the Author

Sharon Kennedy has lived and/or worked in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas and started writing professionally in 2010. She currently works with the YMCA and volunteers with Journalists for Human Rights. Kennedy is a graduate of the University of Ottawa, where she completed a Bachelor of Social Science.

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How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper : A Nursing/Med Student Guide

Healthcare practice has shifted to evidence-based decision-making, which nurses and other healthcare practitioners can achieve through policy analysis. Therefore, students pursuing health sciences such as nursing, pharmacy, and health sciences and medicine courses must understand the importance of evidence-based policymaking. In doing so, they are often assigned tasks where they critically appraise the policy processes and responses. Unfortunately, most students find completing a health policy document analysis paper, essay or report difficult.

The overarching purpose of a policy analysis paper is to investigate and integrate the knowledge of advanced nursing practice, scholarly research, and healthcare leadership through a critical examination of a policy at the level of clinical practice, social or public health, and healthcare systems policy.

Most policy analysis papers are above 2000 words, meaning their lower limit is 8 or 10 pages, giving you sufficient space to investigate a policy.

Writing a paper of such a scope is arduous and time-consuming. Therefore, we have compiled this ultimate guide to take you through the process and help you discover some tips for success when writing a policy analysis paper for your nursing class. But first, let's get solid on a policy analysis paper.

What is a Policy Analysis Paper?

Research shows that engaging nursing students in health policy prepare them for a holistic practice. So, if you are a medical or nursing student, expect to engage more in writing healthcare policy analysis papers or policy briefs.

Analyzing a policy helps identify the potential policy options that can sustainably, pragmatically, and feasibly address a health issue. It is a process that has evolved from a technical approach to a process that enables sharing of social meaning.

A Policy Analysis paper, sometimes referred to as a strategy paper or policy brief, is a document that entails a critical analysis of a healthcare policy at the level of clinical practice, healthcare systems, and public or social issues.

It entails in-depth research of a healthcare issue from a political perspective (analyzing a bill that touches on a healthcare issue). To better analyze a policy, it is imperative to reflect on the policy process (formulation, adoption, implementation, monitoring and evaluation). You should then consider the policy analysis framework that can be applied to nursing and health policies because they shape your policy critique paper. You can choose the analysis framework from the legal, historical, social, ethical, economic, and cultural contexts.

When analyzing a policy, you need to define the problem or issue of interest, provide background and significance, and include a well-balanced assessment of the options that policymakers can pursue to resolve the issue.

The analysis should also include recommendations for the best course of action for the policymakers.

Now that we know what a policy analysis paper or essay entails, let's focus on how it is done. What steps does one follow when writing a policy analysis paper or doing a policy analysis? We answer these questions comprehensively in the next section.

Steps for Health Policy Analysis - How to Get it Right

P olicy analysis is a systematic and disciplined application where an individual defines a problem, gathers evidence, considers alternatives, selects a criterion, predicts the outcomes, confronts tradeoffs and makes or recommends a decision .

Writing a policy analysis paper is time-consuming, stressful, and demands attention and keenness. In most cases, given the possibility of problems arising when deciding which aspect of a policy to analyze, you must be meticulous.

You must distinguish between analyzing a policy process and a document or content. If it is process analysis, focus on the policy formulation process, and if it is content analysis, base your entire analysis on the composition or substance of the policy.

Our focus in this guide is on the analysis of the policy document or the contents of a policy. Policy analysis generally entails five processes: definition, prediction, prescription, description, and evaluation. It can further be condensed into policy making, cause and consequences, and policy prescription.

Step 1: Identify the Policy Issue

The first thing you need to do when assigned to write a policy paper is to determine the policy issue of interest. For instance, choose a topic that you find interesting to handle.

You can choose to focus on health promotion, mental health problems, stigmatization, drug and substance abuse, the opioid epidemic, adult obesity, road traffic accidents, chronic diseases, use of technology in healthcare, etc. look at the health policy issue from the political, social, cultural, spiritual, national, and economic lenses. To identify a problem, focus on a literature review, environmental scan, and survey the best practices.

The main aim of this step is to contextualize the issue. Look at the issue's broad and impactful and have a rationale for choosing it.

Consider the discrepancy between the status quo and the ideal or planned situation. You can also consider the reasons for the difference and the available solutions.

Defining the health issue or problem is like a typical problem statement and must to accompanied by a citation from credible scholarly sources. The statement should describe the problem and present a diagnosis of the causes of the problem using critical statistics such as mortality rates, live births, morbidity, and other statistics.

You should understand the problem conceptually and empirically for successful policy analysis. Then, with the problem stated, you should select a policy to evaluate the many alternatives and provide a rationale. Let's see how to do that in the next step.

Step 2: Select the Policy document for analysis

After identifying the problem, go ahead and search for the relevant evidence. First, collect data about the policies meant to address the health issue. You can access the relevant healthcare policies through research on government websites and publications. Next, look at the various policy options available to address the problem. Considering different policy options can entail adding a policy action that solves the issue or forgoing a policy alternative. Policy options can be described and determined through their health impact, cost of implementation, and feasibility. You should then rank the options and select the top choice.

When considering alternative policies, your focus should be on the outcomes of the alternative. Consider a feasible, practical, and relevant policy to your healthcare issue.

Step 3: Read the policy document and take notes

After choosing a policy of interest for the analysis, you must extract data further and compile excepts from the policy document. Here is where you apply your preferred evaluation criteria.

The evaluation criteria focus on assessing the suitability of an intervention. You need to have standards to measure the projected outcomes. The criteria will hugely depend on the issue of interest. When evaluating a policy, focus on its relevance, progress, efficiency, effectiveness, and impact on the health problem.

Consider the policy background, including its historical context, available evidence, its implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and strategies for stakeholder engagement. You need to take notes that will come in handy as you write the outline and later when compiling the entire policy analysis paper.

Related reading:

• How to write a great nursing diagnosis.
• Best nursing research, essay, and term paper topics.
• Nursing theories to consider when writing nursing papers.

Step 4: Outline the Policy Analysis Paper

Given that you have defined the problem and are now conversant with the central policy of interest, the alternatives, and your evaluation criteria, it is time to outline your policy analysis report. The outline will depend on the selected framework or model for health policy analysis ( we have discussed choosing a framework/model elsewhere in this comprehensive guide ).

The outline should be based on the appropriate structure of a policy analysis paper. For example, plan what to include in the executive summary or abstract, introduction, problem statement, background information, policy alternatives, recommendations, and conclusion.

The outline is a roadmap that comes in handy as you begin to write the paper at the advanced stages of policy analysis. Remember, the focus is not on the policy but its outcomes. For instance, consider the improved health status of people with obesity after health promotion interventions versus improved knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices. Depending on its feasibility (resources, finance, human capital, etc.), you can then decide on the best policy to pursue.

Step 5: Write the Policy Analysis Paper

Assuming everything is in place, you need to take a break before resuming to write the policy paper.

When writing the paper, begin with the introduction. You can break this into separate sections as long as the underlying motivation of the report comes out clearly. For example, include the historical context and the current status quo of the healthcare problem or issue. Next, explain to your readers why you selected the problem or issue and why you settled on a specific policy option.

The next step is to write the methodology, which entails the evaluation criteria. You should also include a literature review where you contextualize the policy based o existing academic work. Next, explore the policy context or options by describing the current policy and the intervention efforts. Finally, look at case studies and best practice guidelines to get a good rationale for selecting a given policy.

Write down the policy options and recommendations before concluding the paper. Finally, include the reference pages and the appendices. When writing the first draft, focus on researching and writing. You should leave editing and proofreading for the final step.

Step 6: Review, Revise, and Polish the paper

Writing a policy analysis paper is the same task as critiquing a policy. It needs to be done in a professional and academic tone. After writing the sections of the policy paper, your next move is to edit it.

When editing, focus on the flow of information, paragraph structure, sentence structure, formatting, in-text citations, tenses, content, and the choice of words.

You should also proofread your policy analysis paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation. You can use software such as Grammarly, Ginger, or Hemmingway Editor.

 This step aims to convert the first draft into a final one you will submit to your instructor for grading. First, therefore, you must ensure that it Then, you can use the reverse outline method to uncover the inadequacies in your paper.

Check whether all the citations are represented in the reference list. Equally, ensure that the references are consistent with the selected formatting style.

 You can read your paper loud so that you can spot the errors. Then, if you need further help, you can hire a proofreader and editor to check whether you omitted something or reduced the number of words but retained the message.

Structure of a Policy Analysis Paper in Nursing

When assigned to write a policy analysis paper, below is a standard structure to adopt. Note that some instructors will have a breakdown of how to do the policy analysis, but we share the standard structure here. Of course, the wording could differ depending on institutions, but these are the major sections or parts of a policy analysis paper or essay.

Contains information about yourself. Include:

• Course name and code
• Coordinator or instructor's name
• Name of your institution (i.e., nursing school or university)
• Date of submission

Abstract/Executive Summary

The abstract is a brief 200-word paragraph that condenses the entire policy analysis paper. It should elaborate on the chosen policy, its strengths and weaknesses, relevance to nursing or healthcare, implications, policy evidence, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder engagement, the target population, how the policy addresses healthcare's social and ecological determinants, and the areas of improvement. The abstract is never indented and is presented as a whole paragraph. Some instructors will ask for an executive summary instead, a summary of your entire policy document analysis paper.

Introduction

The introduction should begin with an attention grabber or hook statement that not only attracts the readers' attention but also announces the focus or direction of the policy paper. It should also generally define and describe the policy issue of interest. It further entails a few sentences that identify the purpose of the analysis, the targeted policy level (clinical, public/social health, or healthcare systems), the policy's scope, and the topic's significance. Finally, it also identifies the questions the policy intended to address.

Background and Significance

In the background section of a policy paper, you will include the details of the issue or problem. Identify the scope of the problem and present its context, then explore relevant literature that details its history. You should also describe the existing policy that addresses the issue. Expound on the policy you are about to analyze regarding the health issue. You should also examine the enforcement implications. Explore the strengths and weaknesses of the existing policy. It should also identify and describe the major stakeholders (groups or individuals) that are or will be affected by the policies, including the reasons. The background should be supported by evidence from credible scholarly sources. Consider the fiscal impact of the policy or issue, its impact on social justice, and the recommended policy's potential barriers and unintended consequences.

Methods and Analysis

This section of the paper is where you describe the policy analysis plan. First, establish the evaluation criteria to guide your analysis and the policy selection. You can also identify the various policy alternatives to help achieve objectives and evaluate each alternative. Next, demonstrate the potential impact of the policies based on the evaluation criteria. Finally, assess the tradeoffs between the options.

Recommendations

In the recommendations section, you must identify the best policy among the alternatives to address the current problem or issue (the policy scenario). You should follow it by explaining the rationale for selecting it among the alternatives. Next, you should describe the potential strategies that can be used to implement the policy successfully. Also, explore the barriers to the implementation of the selected alternative. Finally, explain the methods to monitor and control (evaluate) the effectiveness of policy implementation.

In this section of the policy analysis paper, you must discuss the analysis and recommendations relative to the policy level and the original questions in your introduction. Further, include the limitations of the analysis and discuss the implications for practice, research, policy formulation, implementation, and education.

The conclusion summarizes the findings and recommendations of the entire analysis. It should also feature the questions addressed in future policy analyses or studies.

This is where you list all the references cited in your policy analysis paper.

The appendices can be a table displaying the results of your analysis. You can include the list of policy alternatives you considered, the criteria you use, and the degree to which each alternative meets the criteria. You can also include illustrations such as graphs, tables, images, charts, etc. be sure to cite them appropriately in either ASA, AMA, APA, or Harvard referencing formats if they are sourced from other sources.

Format of a Policy Analysis Paper in Nursing

You must follow academic and professional writing conventions in nursing and most healthcare sciences. Below are some formatting requirements you need to achieve for this assignment:

• Writing Style: Ensure that you use person-centered terminology in your analysis document. Write complete sentences and support your writing with appropriate references. Use the correct in-text citation format and limit the use of quotes. You should never include direct quotes unless asked to, so stick to the parenthetical citation.
• Paper Size: You should write or type the paper on standard A4 (210 x 297mm) paper.
• Margins. Set the margins to 1 inch or 2.0 cm around the document.
• Font. Use at least 12 points and Times New Roman or Arial.
• Line Spacing. 0 or double spacing, 1.5-line spacing, or single-spacing (1.0)
• Do not include any graphics in the body, such as pictures, graphs, and diagrams. Those should go to the appendix and should only be relevant if specified by your instructor.
• Tabulated information can be included if contained within the world limits provided by your instructor. Format, cite, and reference the tables appropriately.
• Title Page. Include your credentials, such as student name and number, instructor's name, course name and code, and institution.
• Header. Should include the relevant information as per the citation and formatting style chosen. Most instructors will prefer that it consists of the page number.
• Footer. You should include your name, student number, and page number. But this depends on your instructor or course coordinator's preferences.

Use APA, Harvard, AMA, or ASA writing format for your policy analysis paper. In most cases, health sciences and nursing use APA, Harvard, and AMA. If unsure, ask your instructor for clarification.

How to Select a Policy Analysis Framework

A policy analysis framework informs the entire policy analysis paper. Therefore, you must select a plausible policy analysis framework after determining and defining the policy. A good policy analysis paper provides in-depth, reasoned, relevant, and evaluative information about a policy in the context of a health issue or problem.

The role of the framework is to guide the evaluation process. It provides the structure of the paper, allowing you to explore a policy issue logically. When selecting a framework, consider the assignment instructions and the policy focus you will analyze. It will depend on whether the policy is prescriptive or predictive.

Nursing practice and the consumers of healthcare have a social contract. Nurses should evaluate what is best for the consumers and promote/advocate for their best interests. Engaging in the policy process helps nurses influence healthcare, solve health issues, and promote social justice. One way to develop policy acumen is through using policy analysis frameworks to analyze policies.

In broad form, the policy analysis framework includes the stages of analyzing a policy. It could be done in many stages or a few steps. One of the most popular policy analysis models or frameworks advocates for an analysis process focusing on:

• Defining the problem
• Assembling evidence
• Considering the policy alternatives
• Selecting the evaluation criteria
• Monitoring and evaluation of outcomes
• Confronting tradeoffs
• Decision making
• Dissemination

Considering that health policy analysis is a social and political activity, the best healthcare policy framework to adopt (one that considers the contexts relevant to healthcare) entails:

• Defining the context
• Statement of the problem
• Searching for evidence
• Considering the alternative policy options
• Projecting the outcomes
• Applying the evaluative criteria
• Weighing the outcomes
• Making a decision.

The above framework is similar to CDC's Policy analytical framework ( PDF) . Therefore, you can use the model to analyze and prioritize policy.

You can also consider the data-driven policy-analysis model presented in 2003 by the  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to assist in evaluating the impact of health policies. Consult your class resources to select the best policy analysis models or frameworks. Asking for instructor clarification is also highly encouraged to get everything right.

Related Reading: How to write a personal nursing philosophy.

Questions to ask yourself before and when analyzing a health policy

• What is the context of the policy? Is it regulatory, administrative, legislative, ethical, etc.?
• How does the policy work? What's its scope?
• What are the aims and objectives of the policy?
• What is the value of the policy?
• What are the short, medium, and long-term outcomes of the policy?
• What are the unforeseeable negative and positive impacts of the policy?
• Who are the stakeholders? What are their interest and values?
• What are the available resources, capacity, and technical requirements for implementing the policy?
• What time frame is needed to formulate and implement the policy?
• How does the policy address the problem or issue?
• What are the populations of interest? How are they affected? What outcomes will affect them, and how?
• How grave is the health issue of interest?
• How does the policy relate to nursing practice and profession?
• What are the cost and benefits of the policy?
• How do the costs compare to the benefits (consider ROI, cost-to-benefit ratio, costs averted, cost savings, etc.)?
• What is the distribution of the cost?
• What are the timelines for the costs and benefits?
• Can you tell if there are any gaps in the data?
• Is there available local and national empirical data to support the policy?
• A conceptual model of Nursing and health policy
• CDC's Policy Analysis Framework (Website)
• Health Policy Analysis by Wendy L. Thomson (DNP, MPH, PHN) (Demonstrative Video)
• Healthcare Policy, Analysis, and Advocacy: Policy Initiative (Website)
• Is there life after policy streams, advocacy coalitions, and punctuations: Using evolutionary theory to explain policy change? 
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• Policy Analysis Examples (Issue Briefs) (Download Samples here)
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• Policy analysis: A framework for nurse managers
• Putting policy theory to work: tobacco control in California
• Sample Expert Policy analysis papers (download)
• Theory and Methods in Comparative Policy Analysis Studies: Volume One
• How to write a policy paper (extended version)

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Policy Analysis

You have clearly defined your problem and created a problem statement. Now it’s time to consider the policies that could address it. If you haven’t defined your problem, visit the Problem Identification page.

What is policy analysis?

Policy Analysis is the process of identifying potential policy options that could address your problem and then comparing those options to choose the most effective, efficient, and feasible one.

Why is policy analysis important?

Conducting a policy analysis ensures you have gone through a systematic process to choose the policy option that may be best for your situation.

Who should you involve in your policy analysis?

People who can provide and/or interpret information about the policy

Who they are:

• Subject matter experts
• Community Partners

How they can contribute:

• Provide and interpret information you need for your policy analysis

People affected by the policy

People whose jobs or lives might be affected by the policy

• Community members
• Community partners
• Local decision makers
• Provide contextual knowledge, such as potential social, educational, and cultural perspectives

People who administer resources related to the policy

• Public officials and administrators
• Include these stakeholders during the policy analysis process to help you understand the potential economic and/or budgetary impacts of the policy options being considered. They can also help you understand the legal landscape around the potential policies

You may want assistance from an economist or researcher when complex calculations are needed to determine some impacts.

How do you conduct a policy analysis?

1. Research and identify possible policy options.

You can do this by reviewing research literature, conducting an environmental scan, and surveying best practices to understand what other communities are doing.

2. Describe the possible policy options.

As you conduct your policy analysis, pay attention to the health impact, cost of implementation, and feasibility of each option. To describe these three factors, you can ask yourself and your stakeholders questions such as:

• What population(s) will be affected by each policy option? By how much? And when?
• What is the context around the possible policy options, including political history, environment, and policy debate?
• What are the costs and benefits associated with each policy option from a budgetary perspective?

When you are assessing feasibility, it is important to identify any barriers that could prevent a policy from being developed, enacted, or implemented. A policy might be more feasible in one city or at a certain time, but not others. You might find that as circumstances change, what is considered affordable or publicly acceptable may change with them.

3. Rank the possible policy options and pick the one you think is best.

Compare the policy options for health impact, economic and budgetary impact, and feasibility. Next, rank each one based on those criteria. Stakeholders can provide guidance on how to do this. Your rankings will always be partially subjective, so it helps to systematically document your rationale. In some cases, your review may reveal a clear winner—a policy that is a) feasible, b) has a strong, positive impact on public health, and c) is economically and fiscally viable. In other cases, ranking the options may be more complicated and involve assessing trade-offs.

For example, when considering policies for reducing smoking, there are trade-offs related to feasibility and impact between options. (Feasibility and impact depends on your context, like your location.) You may have to have choose between a more feasible policy (like an indoor smoking ban for restaurants) and one with more widespread impact (like raising prices on tobacco products in your state).

LITERATURE REVIEW: an examination of the current body of research about your policy problem (and can include possible policy options). This kind of review may help you identify what is already known about the policy options as well as any gaps in the current research.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN : a proactive, systematic collection of information about events, trends, and expectations of what you might encounter during the policy process.

Learn more – See CDC’s Policy Analysis Worksheet  for more examples of questions you can use in your policy analysis.

• You researched and identified possible policy options with a literature review, environmental scans, and surveys of best practices
• You described possible policy options, including each one’s health impact, cost of implementation, and feasibility
• You ranked each policy option based on health impact, economic and budgetary impact, and feasibility—and then chose the one you think is best for your situation

Policy Analysis: Key Questions : This worksheet provides questions that form a framework for your policy analysis.

Policy Analysis Table : This organizational table can help you assess each policy option against set criteria and then to compare policy options.

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Mary Louise Culpepper

How to write an effective reflective policy essay.

We seek a reflective policy essay as part of your application. Make sure yours is an effective one.

The reflective policy essay has been designed for us to learn more about your experience with real-world policy challenges, as well as your ability to learn from mistakes and to problem-solve. This written work will enable us to understand more about the professional and personal experiences that have shaped your public service passion, and to understand better what you might bring to the MPP classroom.

What is a reflective policy essay?

We are looking for essays that tackle policy and/or policy implementation problems that you have experienced.

First, we want you to briefly describe something you’ve experienced where a lack of good policy and/or implementation procedures led to bad outcomes or unintended consequences. Please be specific, and make sure we understand your personal connection to the situation. We do not want a generic, theoretical policy essay. You have 300 words for this first section.

In the next section, we would like you to analyse what went wrong and what could have been done differently. Be sure to make clear your point of view in this experience: as a public servant, a citizen, or a commentator. Remember, we want to understand how you think and learn, and what unique experiences you have had that will enrich the classroom experience for others in the diverse MPP cohort. In conclusion, we want to see concrete policy proposals that would correct the problems you identified and produce positive outcomes going forward. An excellent policy brief will consider alternatives and address barriers to implementation as well as costs. It will also bring in evidence to support your arguments. You have 1200 words for this second section.

The importance of critical thinking

This essay should demonstrate your ability to think critically and creatively. It should also demonstrate your commitment to positive change and your understanding of real-world policy challenges. It is an important part of the application and we are looking forward to reading your submission!

Mary Louise Culpepper is Senior Admissions Adviser at the Blavatnik School of Government. Find out more about how to apply to the Master of Public Policy .

Policy Analysis and Ethics Expository Essay

Describe the policy issue then the rational choice process applied in your public agency, policy issue.

Formulation and implementation of policies is a very complex and detailed process because of the variables involved. Public policy makers have many variables and alternatives to compare before making up their minds on what policy to formulate and implement. Kingdon simplified the art of public policy making into four stages:

The setting of the agenda; the specification of alternatives from which a choice is to be made; an authoritative choice among those specified alternatives, as in a legislative vote or a presidential decision; and the implementation of the decision. (Kingdon 3)

Kingdon argued that the process of policy making entails three processes: “problems, policies and politics” (16). In the first process, agenda is set when there is a dramatic event that leads to some agenda being set up.

More often than not, according to Kingdon, agenda which come up in this manner (through a problem) are often the wrong ones. The manner in which a government acts sometimes is considered not appropriate for a given condition. Another process which defines policy making process is the accumulation of knowledge which in the long run makes inclination of policy towards favoring such knowledge.

Lastly, the political processes also affect the setting of the agenda in a significant manner: “swings of national mood, vagaries of public opinion, elections results, changes of administration, and turnover in Congress all may have powerful effects” (Kingdon 17). In summary, Kingdon pointed out that the three processes -“problem recognition, generation of policy proposals, and political events” – may turn out to be a thrust or a restraint:

As an impetus, items are promoted to higher agenda prominence, as ‘when a new administration makes possible the emergence of a new battery of proposals. As a constraint, items are prevented from rising on the agenda, as when a budget constraint operates to rule out the emergence of items that are perceived as being too costly.

Some items may not arise on the agenda because of the financial cost, the lack of acceptance by the public, the opposition of powerful of interests, or simply because they are less pressing than other items in the competition for attention. (Kingdon 17)

The Rational Choice Process

As already discussed above, policy making is a process confronted with many influencing forces. Ways have been formulated to give guidance on which policy is to be formulated. The rational choice process is among the ways which are used to decide on which policy is to be formulated and implemented (“Rational choice” par. 1).

The rational choice process tends to make the process of policy making one which will bring about changes that are required (Bueno de Mesquita par. 1). In applying this method, values or objectives are clarified.

This clarification makes it possible to ensure a policy will address the actual problem it was meant to, in other words, the means of analysis starts from the end: “first the ends are isolated, then the means to achieve them are sought” (Lindblom 81).

The process of analyzing is carried out in a comprehensive manner with every detail that has significance being put into consideration. This method has a heavy reliance on theory (Lindblom 81).

Do you see bureaucrats in your office just ‘muddling through’?

Public offices more often than not have to deal with conflicting interests. These interests are more pronounced when it comes to policy formulation which affects different parties. The parties which are to be affected are likely to exert pressure by whichever means to ensure that the policy formulated is such that it benefits a certain party.

This kind of influence is often bad as it leads to formulation of policies which are discriminatory in addressing issues which are affecting the general public. Such influences should be countered to ensure that policies are formulated to benefit the general public and not a section of the public.

Formulation of policies in my public agency has a fixed procedure that is followed. This procedure is meant to ensure that the process of policy formulation is free from ridicule and above all that the policy is formulated in such a way that it addresses the main problem affecting the general public.

Bureaucracy therefore is not an issue in our office. The transparency in our office helps to ensure that all the processes especially on formulation of policies is open to all the public for scrutiny. The agency is also committed to serving all the Californians in the best manner possible. Through processes such as the 3Cs and the 5 Ps, the agency ensures that policy formulation is carried out in a rational manner.

In my public agency, there is the standard operating precedence (SOP). This is a procedure which has to be followed in all legislative procedures. This implies that no short cuts can be taken when it is necessary to save on time. SOP makes it hard to make fast decisions in the cases of emergencies or any other situations which require very quick decisions.

What code of ethics or accountability mechanisms exists in your public agency?

Holders of public offices ought to uphold integrity in the line of duty. Since they are dealing with public wealth and issues which influence the general public, public officials should ensure that their administration is ethical.

According to Thompson, administrative ethics has to do with the “application of moral principles to the conduct of officials in organizations” (Thompson 458), in the context of public offices, “administrative ethics is a species of political ethics, which applies moral principles to political life more generally” (Thompson 458). Thompson goes ahead to show what moral principles define:

The rights and duties that individuals should respect when they act in ways that seriously affect the well-being of other individuals and society; and the conditions that collective practices and policies should satisfy when they similarly affect the well being of individuals and society. (Thompson 458)

Thompson further argued that moral principles do not advocate for a particular interested perspective but rather advocates for the interest of every person. It is imperative that when an action is being taken it receives a general acceptance even by those who may have not taken part in the action. There are two challenges to administrative ethics: “the ethic of neutrality and the ethic of structure” (Thompson 458).

According to the ethic of neutrality, administrators are neutral ethically in the sense that they execute the orders that are given to them by their superiors.

It is argued that the orders to be executed do not come from the administrators and therefore the administrators are just used as tools hence the need to view them neutrally in the light of ethics. The principle of the ethic of neutrality argues that officials have a duty to serve the organizations they are leading such that those organizations will serve the society in turn.

This principle acknowledges the fact that administrators more often than not have to use their judgment when making the policies. However, the administrators always have to make the policies in a manner that is inclined to the philosophies of the superiors. It is further argued that even if an administrator may differ in opinion with her or his superior, once the policy is formulated the administrator will only have the choice of implementing it.

The proposals that have been brought up by the principle of the ethic of neutrality however have been confronted by criticism in three aspects. The first argument point is that the influence of an administrator in policy formulation is more than just implementing the superiors’ orders.

Administrators have the potential of mobilizing huge support for formulation of policies and therefore they can determine the direction of a policy. The second argument is closely related to the third argument. In the second objection, opponents of this principle argue that there are many reasons that make it hard for an administrator to resign such that not resigning would not automatically imply that an administrator is in agreement with the way an organization is run.

It is also pointed out against the principle of ethic that if all public officials who are not in agreement with the policies formulated in their organizations are to resign then the nation will experience a great loss of public service. Lastly, the principle of the ethic of neutrality is objected to because of the limitation it imposes on public administrators: obedience or resignation.

The second challenge to administrative ethics is the ethic of structure. The ethic of structure advocates for the blame of a wrong committed to be on an organization or the government as a whole. According to this principle, public officials are only liable for the actions that they commit at the level of their own offices.

For a person to take up blame then following criteria must be met: “That the person’s actions or omissions were a cause of the outcome; and that the person did not act in excusable ignorance or under compulsion” (Thompson 463).

Are there any additional accountability mechanisms missing to strengthen accountability in your public agency?

In my public office, accountability by each member is of a high priority. Each person accorded any responsibility has to take responsibility with a lot of seriousness. All the interns and any other person working at the agency are encouraged to always seek for clarifications and direction from group members or from superiors concerning projects they are carrying out. Every person in the agency is responsible for his or actions.

There is free discussion among all the people working in the organization on issues affecting California. The public is at liberty to contact the organization and make suggestions on what they wish to have implemented. The general observation therefore is that the agency is not plagued with the administrative ethics challenges. The rational method of choice should be adopted by the agency to ensure that the process of policy formulation is in line with the public demands.

There are other mechanisms which can be used to strengthen accountability in my public agency. One of them is hiring of a private firm to oversee the operations of the agency. In most cases private agencies are neutral and as a result they are likely to carry out their duties without any external influence.

Encouraging transparency especially in regard to overtime practices will help to reduce abuse of overtime provisions. Transparency can also cut across on how public resources are used. For instance, when agency cars are used, for instance, on private missions this should be brought book. Using of public resources for private purposed can be avoided when everything is kept transparent and available for scrutiny by the public eye. This should include the seemingly insignificant issues such as running errands.

Works Cited

Bueno de Mesquita, Bruce 2012, Foreign policy analysis and rational choice models . PDF file. Web.

Kingdon, John. How Does an Idea’s Time Come? Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies. New York: Prentice Hall, 1995. Print.

Lindblom, Charles. Science of Muddling Through . New York: Prentice Hall, 1959. Print.

Mosher, Frederick. Watergate: Implications for Responsible Government. New York: Prentice Hall, 1974. Print.

Rational Choice 2012. Web.

Thompson, Dennis. The Possibility of Administrative Ethics . New York: Prentice Hall, 1985. Print.

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Policy Analysis Essay Examples

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Government , Politics , Innovation , Policy , Health , New York , Reforms , Health Care

Published: 01/23/2020

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The techniques of policy analysis are used to give a means of assessing the options that re available for policy options. They are also tasked with recommending the option that should be adopted to achieve the different organizational, political and financial goals. It also gives for a way in which the policies which exist can be modified so that they can be improved. The policy analysis gives options that are to be undertaken in policy analysis in order to come up with the best possibility of improving the policy. The analysis will, therefore, be a foundation and grounds in which policy modification can be undertaken. It will be the foundation in which policy modification can be undertaken. The use of policy analysis is typically seen to be commonly used in the government. However, it is not limited to the government alone. It is now being adopted and is being used in the private sector. The benefits that are seen with the use of policy analysis are that the existing policies can be evaluated fairly and the strengths and weaknesses of these policies can be seen. This way, the areas that need to be improved will be identified. Policy analysis makes use of quantitative and qualitative methods to get to know the features of the policies that are already in existence. From this, it will assess on the possible modifications that may be required. There are several federal agencies which make their policies through policy analysis. One of the agencies is Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The reason for this is that with the constant change of policies in this agency, there is no time to adjust and formulate policies from scratch. They try policy analysis and alter the laws which are already in place.

Guess, G., & Farnham, P. (2011). Cases in Public Policy Analysis. New York: Georgetown University Press. Harrington, C., & Estes, C. (2009). Health Policy: Crisis and Reform in the U.S. Health Care Delivery System: Crisis and Reform in the U.S. Health Care Delivery System . New York: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

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Policy Analysis

If you want to achieve the goals and objectives of your business or organization, you have to develop policies that will allow you to guide your members in the direction that you would like to take. Leading the workforce can be a very tedious task especially when it comes to working together for a common goal in consideration of the complexity of the operations of the business.

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You do not need to worry about this matter as creating a policy analysis will allow you to come up with the most appropriate and relevant analysis that can help you get particular milestones for the organization. Just like when making an  internal audit SWOT analysis , ensure that you will be aware of the basic guidelines and strategies that will allow you to develop the best policy analysis for your business.

Policy Analysis Example

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A list of downloadable policy analysis template examples in PDF are available for you to browse through from this post. We have put together these documents so that you can have references and guides once you plan to develop your own policy analysis. Make sure to look into these examples so that it will be more efficient for you to create the specified document.

Policy Analysis Discussion Flow and Layout Example

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Policy Analysis Development Framework

A policy analysis can be done by different entities like government bodies, medical and health facilities, academic institutions, businesses, and organizations. Even if there are different groups that can make use of this document, the framework of its development and implementation is most likely the same. Here are the basic steps that you can follow if you want to execute a simple policy analysis:

• Be organized when starting the development of a policy analysis. Gather all the items, references, and other materials that you think can be helpful in the creation of a credible and highly usable policy analysis. We recommend you to prepare organizational tools like checklists and outlines as these items can be very efficient when it comes to listing down all the requirements and process flow of your organization’s own policy analysis document.
• Identify the purpose or the reason on why there is a need for your organization to execute a policy analysis. You have to be aware of the objective of the undertaking so you can easily identify the factors and elements that you need to consider as well as the impacts that you must prepare for. Knowing what the policy analysis is all about can also help you develop action plans that are relevant to the achievement of your corporate or business aspirations.
• You have to define the problem at hand and the ways on how the policy can be of help to eliminate the negative effects of the problem that you have specified. There should be a thorough evaluation of the alignment of the policy with the results that you would like to get for you to reduce threats and risks from existing or even recurring business problems.
• Assess the objectives of the policy and identify whether these objectives are good for the policy’s target audience or population. You have to consider the timeliness of the policy implementation as well as its relevance to the operations of the business and the daily work processes where the members of the organization are involved.
• Come up with a SWOT analysis. In comparison to a hospital SWOT analysis , your SWOT analysis for your policy assessment must also focus on both external and internal factors. Ensure that you will have metrics for evaluation so that the results of your SWOT analysis can be aligned with the standards of the business and the things that you would like to achieve.
• Once a particular policy has already been selected for implementation, you have to study the impacts and effects that it has brought to the business. You have to ensure that you will have a continuous policy evaluation and assessment so you can identify whether the specific policy is really good for the business and that it can truly contribute to the growth of the business and its operations. You have to list down all the implications of the policy so you can assess on whether there is a need to change it or just maintain its implementation.
• Lastly, think of other policies that can serve as your alternatives whenever your initial policy did not work. You have to ensure that you have backups especially considering that these policies can actually affect the productivity of the workforce, the direction of the business, and the efficiency of your operations. Moreover, the policies that you implement can also impact the culture within the environment of your business.

Policy Analysis Template and Toolkit Example

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Policy Analysis Principles

A detailed SWOT analysis can provide a lot of benefits to any organization as it can thoroughly discuss the internal and external factors that contribute to the successes and failures of the business. This is why you should also make sure that your policy analysis is well-formulated, properly formatted, and comprehensive. You have to consider a variety of principles that will allow you to polish the policy analysis that you will come up with. A few of the principles that you always have to remind yourself with whenever you plan to create and/or implement a policy analysis are listed below.

• Make sure that the policies that you are going to analyze are well-defined. In this manner, you can ensure that the solutions or help that the policy can provide you with can be proven as potentially effective. This will help the implementation processes of the analysis become smooth flowing.
• You need to come up with the results that you want to achieve. Otherwise, the policies that you will develop will not be used for anything. There should be an end picture on your mind so that it can serve as a guide when it comes to the development of the policy that you want to execute. Doing this will allow you to develop solutions for the problems, issues, and concerns that you have at hand.
• It is essential for you to remember that you are developing an analysis. Hence, you should not focus on just the positive or negative areas of the policy usage. You should look into all the contributing factors that result to the effectiveness of the policy, or the lack thereof. You have to present an analysis, not provide a concrete decision in behalf of your target audience. However, remember that you may also sometimes be required to provide recommendations and suggestions based on your own perception of the results that you have come up with.
• Do not restrain yourself within a single box. You have to think of different policy actions that you can execute based on the items that you want to realize. Remember that policy analysis processes are created for you to come up with the best option for your business or organization. Hence, focusing on just one policy will lessen your selection if your initial policy choice is found to be not as effective or as efficient as it is expected to be.
• Resilience and being adaptive are characteristics that you should always have whenever you plan to develop a policy analysis. You have to learn how to deal with any changes and uncertainties as long as it is for the betterment of the business, its stakeholders, its operations, and all the other areas in which internal and external corporate touch points are present and can be affected.
• Always check the clarity of your policy analysis discussion. It is important for your facts to always be updated and accurate. More so, you must have firsthand information so that you can ensure the precision of all the details that you will include in your policy analysis presentation. This is the reason why most policy analysis documents are simple, direct to the point, and specific.
• Not all policy analysis work the same for every establishment, organization, or business. You have to keep in mind that there are no perfect policy analysis. There are changes and differences that you may observe especially when it comes to the usage of policy analysis processes and procedures that are based on those that are used by other entities. With this, you have to ensure that the policy analysis that you will create is fit with the operations of your business, the needs of your workforce, and the vision that you have for your company.

Common Policy Appraisal and Analysis Format Example

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Policy Analysis Resource Guide Example

Size: 212 KB

Policy Analysis for Different Types of Decision-Making Situations Discussion

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Policy Analysis Development Guidelines Example

Policy Analytical Framework Example

Size: 173 KB

Planning to Implement a Policy Analysis?

An HR SWOT analysis , policy analysis, and other kinds of policy documents are only testaments that it is imperative for businesses to evaluate and assess different areas of its management and operations. For your company to continue growing, you have to be realistic when it comes to identifying your concerns and issues. You should also establish the description of the current condition of the business as well as the areas of improvement that you would like to focus on.

Developing a policy analysis can help you either direct or redirect your business toward achieving its goals. More so, it can promote organization and a healthy relationship within your operations. Do you want to develop a policy analysis for your business? Here are some of the guidelines and tips that you can find useful once you already start the creation of the specified document:

• Make sure that you will establish a credible, measurable, and objective criteria for your analysis. It is essential for you to have accurate measures that will allow you to select the best policy for your business for different instances and circumstances.
• Again, it is essential for you to come up with backups and/or alternatives. More so, you should be open to change your policies especially at times when there is a need to update the things that your organization follows. Remove the policies that do not work based on your analysis and change them with new ones that have a high potential of helping the business.
• Use templates and examples as your references. Even if there are different kinds of policy analysis documents, it will still be helpful if you will have references when it comes to formatting your discussion. These items can also be of help in terms of determining the information that you should look into when making your own policy analysis. Once you already have a set of policy analysis examples, it will be easier for you to identify the factors and elements that should be included in the document that you plan to make.
• Evaluate the final draft of your policy analysis and look into any mistakes, errors, and inaccuracies that may still be observed in the content and format of the document. This is very important as the quality of your policy analysis can reflect your standards when it comes to identifying the best policy for your business and the processes that you have immersed in for the particular activity.

Do not forget to look into the policy analysis examples that we have listed in this post. Download any, if not all, of these examples and use them accordingly so that you can be well-guided in the development of the policy analysis document that you need.

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