📘 Course Connection:
In PHE 510, students explore how policies shape public health outcomes. The Policy Assessment Worksheet helps analyze whether new policy development or changes are needed—and whether alternatives might offer a more effective solution.
Purpose of the Worksheet:
This resource guides you through the process of:
- Identifying policy gaps
- Evaluating related guidelines or existing documentation
- Determining if policy revisions or new policies are warranted
- Assessing impacts, resources, and stakeholder involvement
🛠 Use this worksheet to define next steps and document rationale for policy development.
Key Questions to Address:
| Prompt | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| What has prompted the policy need or edit? | Identifies the trigger issue or opportunity |
| What specific problem will the policy solve? | Focuses your analysis on real needs |
| What policies or documents already address the subject? | Avoids duplication and informs alignment |
| Is a new policy needed, or can changes be made to existing ones? | Ensures appropriate use of university resources |
| Could another format (checklist, form, guide) work better? | Encourages alternatives to traditional policy if more effective |
| What are the associated costs, and where will funding come from? | Brings budgeting and ownership into focus |
| Which university units manage the relevant subject? | Identifies stakeholders for consultation and collaboration |
Logic Model Overview:
Use the logic model template in the worksheet to outline:
- Inputs → What resources will support policy implementation
- Activities & Outputs → What actions and deliverables will result
- Short, Intermediate & Long-Term Outcomes → Timelines for change
- Impacts → What lasting results will emerge after 5+ years
Unintended Consequences & Health Equity Scope:
Evaluate potential risks and impacts on vulnerable populations:
- Counterproductive effects (does the opposite of intent)
- Ineffective results (no change occurs)
- By-products (unintended ripple effects)
Make sure the policy supports equity and doesn’t leave key groups behind.
📥 Downloadable Resource:
Use this editable worksheet to guide your policy analysis and planning efforts.
Need More Help?
Want additional support? Sign up for our group sessions. Take a look at the full workshop schedule. For help signing up and accessing the Academic Support Center, see the How to Book ASC Sessions Page.
This resource was written by a human, then reorganized using ChatGPT.
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat