Public Health Policy Analysis and Evaluation

Policy analysis is an important component of the policy process. When a problem has been identified and deemed worthy of government attention, policy analysis uses the best facts, data, and evidence to identify and compare the range of possible policy solutions to be considered. Policy analysis plays a role in the decision to revise, amend, terminate, or retain the existing policy. Policy analysis is also critical to the empirical evaluation of the impact of policies. This chapter outlines policy analysis as a profession and examines the methods and tools for conducting it. The information presented helps create a foundation of basic policy analysis knowledge for a public health student, researcher, or practitioner.