Introduction To Health Policy - HMPD Flashcards
What is the definition of policy?
Policy refers to principles that govern action directed towards specific goals. It is a consciously chosen action (or inaction) to achieve a particular end. It is also defined as a plan, direction, or goal for authoritative decision-making.
Why is policy important in health systems?
Policy is important in health systems because it provides direction and structure, ensures coordinated resource management, improves public health outcomes, and guides decision-making for healthcare governance.
What are the attributes of policy?
The attributes of policy include belonging to a governing body such as the government, a political party, or an institution. It is formal and authoritative, and it can be dynamic and adaptable.
List three different forms that policy can take.
Policy can take different forms such as a program, for example, Universal Health Coverage; as a formal authorized program, for example, the National Health Bill; and as a decision-making process, such as regulations, rules, and frameworks.
What are the key types of policy?
The key types of policy include public policy, such as taxation and education; social policy, such as welfare programs; health policy, such as tobacco regulations; organizational policy, such as NAFDAC regulations; and institutional policy, such as workplace health guidelines.
Define health policy.
Health policy is an authoritative statement of intent adopted by governments to improve population health and welfare. It serves as a centrally determined basis for healthcare action.
Name three examples of public health policy.
Examples of public health policy include food safety regulations, water and air purification policies, and immunization programs.
What are the four stages of the policy-making process?
The four stages of the policy-making process are problem identification and issue recognition, which determines which issues get on the policy agenda; policy formulation, which identifies key stakeholders and how policies are developed; policy implementation, which ensures policies are executed effectively; and policy evaluation, which monitors the impact and effectiveness of policies.
What is the policy triangle?
The policy triangle is a model that explains how policies are shaped by multiple factors and stakeholders.
List the four components of the policy triangle.
The four components of the policy triangle are actors, which refer to individuals, organizations, or government bodies involved in policy-making; content, which details the objectives of a policy; context, which includes political, economic, social, and cultural factors affecting policy; and process, which describes the stages of policy development, implementation, and evaluation.
How do systemic factors influence health policy?
Systemic factors influence health policy through political influences such as government ideology, economic factors such as funding availability, social and cultural factors such as public perceptions and traditions, and international influences such as donor funding and global health initiatives.
What is the role of the government in health policy?
The government plays a role in health policy by regulating the quantity and distribution of healthcare services, controlling healthcare costs, ensuring healthcare quality standards, and enforcing public health measures such as sanitation and road safety.
Explain the difference between the consensus, pluralistic, and elitist models of policy decision-making.
The consensus model of policy decision-making grants power through elections. The pluralistic model allows different groups to share influence in decision-making. The elitist model is where a few dominant groups dictate policy direction.
Why is policy implementation considered the most important phase?
Policy implementation is considered the most important phase because it ensures policies translate into real-world actions, addresses gaps between policy creation and execution, and prevents policies from being ineffective or misapplied.
What are the two major uses of the policy triangle?
The policy triangle is used for analysis of policy, which is retrospective and examines how policies were formulated and their impact, and for analysis for policy, which is prospective and anticipates policy outcomes for strategic planning.
