Assignment:
Policy Brief Guide
Legislators seldom have the time to read through all the literature related to a specific health care policy question. To make well-informed decisions, they rely on short, tightly written briefs that quickly and cogently relay the important policy facts, questions, and arguments about an issue.
An effective policy brief will advance a persuasive argument in a concise, clearly organized fashion. A policy brief does not include a lengthy analysis or review of the literature.
Policy Brief Assignment Template
Introduction:
• Begin with a brief overview and state the health care problem.
• Include the history and social context of the public health condition.
Recommendations:
• Clearly state your recommendations for addressing the issue up front.
Background:
• Outline the history or background relevant to the global prevalence of the condition and health disparities related to the condition.
• Describe the population(s)most affected by the conditions.
• Describe the major agencies responsible for enforcement of public health related to this issue along with outlining their roles.
Analysis:
• Constructively criticize arguments, ideologies, and the quality of current actions being taken to address the condition.
• Use evidence from literature and other sources to support your perspectives and advance your recommendations.
Conclusion:
• Conclude with a persuasive argument and summary statement.
• Summarize the major points and provide recommendations for the implementation of specific policies to address the health care issue.
Adapted from the International Society for Technology in Education at
www.iste.org/Libraries/Templates_Starter.../Policy_Brief_Template.sflb.ashx