Introduction 10 points

Generally define & describe the policy issue to be addressed.

-Identify the purpose of analysis, the targeted level of policy (i.e., clinical practice, health care systems, or public/social health) & significance of topic.

-Identify questions the policy analysis is intended to address.

Background 10 points

-Provide details of the issue or problem, including its nature/scope, relevant literature & history, & the context within which the issue exists.

-Describe existing policy addressing the issue, if any.
-Discuss strengths & shortcomings in existing policy.
-Identify & describe key stakeholders (individuals & groups) thatare or will be affected by the policy & why.

Analysis 15 points

-Identify alternative policies to achieve objectives.

-Establish/identify criteria that will be used for selection of “best” policy.

-Evaluate each alternative & its potential impact relative to the healthcare & patient outcomes.

Assess the trade-offs between alternatives.

Recommendations 15 points

-Based on the analysis, identify the “best” alternative to address the current issue & policy situation.

-Provide rationale for selection.
-Describe possible strategies to implement selected alternative. Identify barriers to implementation of selected alternative.

-Describe methods to evaluate policy implementation.

Discussion 20 points

-Discuss analysis & recommendations relative to the original questions identified, & the level of policy it is intended to address (i.e., clinical practice, health care systems, or public).

-Identify limitations of analysis.

Discuss implications for practice, education, research, & policy- making.

Conclusion 15 points

-Summarize findings & recommendations of analysis

-Identify questions to be addressed in future studies or policy analyses.