Discussion: Selecting a Policy Analysis Framework

NURS 8100 Week 4 Discussion: Selecting a Policy Analysis Framework

Discussion: Selecting a Policy Analysis Framework

The goal of policy analysis is to provide in-depth, relevant, and evaluative information about a policy. Using a framework as a guideline for the analysis provides scaffolding for logically and carefully considering the policy issue. To select a framework, one should consider the focus of the policy being analyzed and whether the policy is intended to be predictive or prescriptive. For this Discussion, you will choose a policy issue that is important to you and after evaluating the frameworks described in the Learning Resources, select the framework most appropriate for analyzing the issue.

To prepare FOR Discussion: Selecting a Policy Analysis Framework:

• Reflect on your understanding of the policy process: how policy is formulated, adopted, implemented, and evaluated.
• Review the various frameworks presented in this week’s Learning Resources and consider how they are applied to nursing and health policies. How do they assist you in understanding and shaping policy?
• Brainstorm a list of the issues that are most important to your practice (these can be issues at the institutional, local, state, national, or international level). Then identify a specific nursing or health care policy related to one key issue, and consider which of the frameworks you would use to examine the issue.

Note: You may not select the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act for this analysis.

By Day 3 OF Discussion: Selecting a Policy Analysis Framework

Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:

• Identify the policy you have selected.
• Describe the framework that you would use for this particular issue, and provide your rationale.
• At what other stages in the policy process might an analysis framework provide guidance?

Read a selection of your colleagues’ postings.

By Day 6 OF Discussion: Selecting a Policy Analysis Framework

Respond to at least two of your colleagues selecting postings for which you have an alternative framework suggestion and explain how that framework might affect the analysis.

Note: Please see the Syllabus and Discussion Rubric for formal Discussion question posting and response evaluation criteria.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you learned and/or any insights you gained as a result of the comments made by your colleagues.

Be sure to support your work with specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and any additional sources.