Healthcare Policy and Evaluation Stage - Assignment Example

Healthcare policy Insert Insert In this paper, there is broad discussion and analysis of the second stage of the policy process. It broadly covers the evaluation stage where further explanation is provided. Further explanation of the application of the evaluation process to gauge the objectives of the policy is provided. Analysis stage alongside the factors in store that could either contribute or hamper objective achievement is provided. Finally, the revision stage which digests the whole process of policy making for refining is discussed. Revision requirements in regard to analysis objective are also factored. Introduction Policy is a set of principles or ideas which act as a guide in the process of decision making. Proper policy in the healthcare has a direct influence to each citizen’s daily life. There is a great need for a good review on health policies for the sake of public safety. There are several processes that must be put into consideration to turn the topic of health care into a policy. This involves the different stages which need to be addressed for a given topic to reach a policy status in the health care system. The prior stages include formulation stages, legislation stage and implementation stage. In this paper, evaluation stage, analysis and revision stages which are mandatory in policy making would be defined and discussed (Ubokudom, 2012). Each stage has its vital importance since infant health is a big consumer of the health care department. New topics and ideas undergo several transitions and phases before policy implementation. In any institution, there are individuals who have the responsibility of brainstorming and implementing new topics and ideas for a better safe and easier policy. The paper also presents a framework for discussing the key questions which require answers for a better-informed decision when coming up with a new policy. It is also crucial for policy makers and administrators to identify the knowledge needed in decision making in regard to both new and existing programs (Kronenfeld, 2002). Evaluation stage Evaluation stage is the overall effective assessment planning process in policy making after implementation process. It involves the estimated reward from various calculated opportunities and alternatives face comparisons together with the associated risk estimations. The stage of evaluation can only occur in a fertile ground. It is made to ensure the functionality of the policy. In this case, the key actors appreciate the analysis and use it for the correct decision-making process. An active discussion is also needed between the decision maker and the evaluator on the development of the new knowledge. Operational definitions and research questions of key concepts are fully applied in this stage (Hickey & Brosnan, 2012). Evaluation stage covers three main dimensions such as evaluation type, enquiry key domains and the generic research questions to ensure objectives achievement. Despite the generic questions being generic, they can be adapted to any existing or new healthcare system evaluation. Evaluation of the policy should be accordance to given standards. In regard to uncritical analysis, informal evaluation such as stories and anecdotes are considered. Honest and careful feedback from the affected parties can also be of use in substantial policy evaluation. A formal research provides evidence in regard to policy effectiveness. In this case, scientific research is very useful in the provision of statistical and comparative evaluation of the degree of clarity in policy results (Ubokudom, 2012). Policy evaluation is effective in various aspects of time. Assessment by the administrators who are in need to improve given health operation can assess the policy at the time of implementation. After implementation policies can also face further evaluation in order to comprehend the overall effectiveness. Policies mostly face entrenchment over a given period and are usually difficult to terminate even after various factors of evaluation. Crisis can be also effected policies alteration through the whole process favors the status quo when is exposed to normal circumstances (Hickey & Brosnan, 2012). Analysis stage The analysis stage is also an important section in policy making where identification of the direction of the overall policy processes takes place. In this stage, creation of policy strategy and documentation takes place. Gathering of the requirements is the main role in this stage. Health policy analysis remains a multidisciplinary approach when it comes to overall public policy. It remains as the platform for the interaction amongst interest, ideas and institutions involved in the policy making process. Analysis stage is very useful both prospectively and retrospectively in understanding the past failures and success to determine future policy planning and implementation (Ubokudom, 2012). Some factors in the policy environment can result to complexity in the analysis thus making the policy objectives unachievable. These are common practical and conceptual problems that target health policy analysis. The challenge of variation in the definition of policy imposes subsequent implication of the whole study process. To fully embrace the course of action a set of organizations, institutions, funding and services arrangement in the health system results to a great challenge(Hickey & Brosnan, 2012).. The emergence of decisions at a single point of time could be invisible to the researcher hence resulting to great challenges in explanation and unpacking. There are also several hurdles in accessing various widespread areas, individuals, actors, networks and groups involved in policy making processes. Opaqueness in the process of decision making can also lead to problems when obtaining relevant papers and documents (Mason, Leavitt & Chaffee, n.d.). On the other hand, large volumes of documentation can be difficult and cumbersome to analyze. Measuring and capturing of values, resources, power and beliefs of diverse policy making individuals is a conceptual challenge in policy analysis. The policy can easily meet its objectives if the researchers employ a systematic approach. In this perspective, a testable and clear proposition about the issue of study in an explicit framework is achieved. Several theoretical frameworks to help researchers focus and organize their efforts in policy making process analysis are also available (Hickey & Brosnan, 2012). The policy research team consists of both outsiders and insiders in full engagement of team members in the discussion of the data collection finding and policy analysis yields proper understanding of policy making process. Revision stage The policy making process considers activities that are resourceful while delivering a policy. A proper revision stage in policy making makes the process easier and clearer. In this process, it is much easier to begin with a written form of policy procedures to carry out revision effectively. The documented policies contain clear and well stated policies with researched and best practices. Suggested objectives are also important in policy process modification and customization. Revision process covers the whole policy making processes to refine and correct the policy (Gray, Lowery & Benz, 2013). In conclusion, the health policy-making process must undergo the second part for its success. Evaluation stage is a critical stage after implementation. The analysis by the researchers and other scholars follows to gauge the validity of the policy and finally the revision process for refining the whole policy before its application for the purpose of both private and public health. References Gray, V., Lowery, D., & Benz, J. (2013). Interest groups and health care reform across the United States (1st ed.). Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press. Hickey, J., & Brosnan, C. (2012). Evaluation of health care quality in advanced practice nursing (1st ed.). New York: Springer Pub. Co. Kronenfeld, J. (2002). Health care policy (1st ed.). Westport, Ct.: Praeger. Mason, D., Leavitt, J., & Chaffee, M. Policy & politics in nursing and health care (1st ed.). Ubokudom, S. (2012). United States health care policymaking (1st ed.). New York, NY: Springer. Read More