Table 2. Helpful Questions To Ask When Deciding Among Policy Options
Communicate Evidence
Who needs to be informed? How can information best be presented? |
Convey Intent
What are program managers expected to do? |
Monitor and Evaluate
Does the policy still make sense? Has the option or mix of options worked? |
- What will be the decisionmaking process?
- Who decides?
- Who are the key players?
- What will be the role of key interest groups?
- What is the timing and setting for the decision?
- What information will be needed to inform the decisionmaking process?
- Evidence of problem?
- Predicted impact of proposed options?
- How can information be organized for best impact?
- For principal decisionmakers?
- For key interest groups?
- For the public?
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- Are the expectations for the policy or program clear?
- Are some goals in conflict?
- How will program administrators resolve conflicts in goals?
- Have priorities been clearly specified to target limited resources?
- Has sufficient guidance been provided to assure implementation as intended?
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- Does the problem still exist?
- How has it changed and why?
- Are the goals still reasonable and agreed upon?
- Have original objectives been achieved? If not, assess implementation.
- What should be the scope of evaluation?
- What decisions lie ahead?
- How much time and expense is justified?
- Will key decisionmakers and program managers cooperate?
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Source: Helms WD. Policy Analysis Framework. Presented at: AHRQ Workshop, Using Policy Analysis and Research More Effectively in Decisionmaking; July 29, 2002; Rensselaerville, NY.
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