Reference no: EM132808179

Assessment 1

Module 1

Discussion Topic 1: What is Public Health Policy?

Consider the various definitions of policy. Read Buse (chapter 1). Which do you think are the most important contextual factors which influence policy?

Discussion Topic 2: Perspectives of Policy making

Which view of policymaking do you subscribe to and why? What/who do you think policy is for and why?

Module 2

Discussion Topic 1: Ideologies and Representations within Policy

- What are some of the dominant ideologies apparent within a health policy you are familiar with? How are the subjects of the policy represented within this policy?

Discussion Topic 2: Competing Interests jn Health Policy Process

- Describe a current health policy in your community, or choose one from the readings. Who were the stakeholders involved in the process of developing the policy? How were policy ideas or debates framed? Who was missing from the policy process?

Module 3

Discussion Took 1: Government as a Eigulatnr of publithealth

- What tensions do public health advocates face In advocating for public health policy and interventions? Reflect on recent television, radio or print media and how debates on health regulations are currently played out.

Discussion Topic 2: The 'nanny state'

- Critics of government regulation often disparagingly refer to 'the nanny state', particularly In relation to curbs on commodities such as alcohol. Chapman (2013) tackled this head on with a provocative article about how the nanny state is good for us, for example by mandating smoke alarms and background checks for childcare workers. see Chapman, S. (2013). One hundred and fifty ways the nanny state is good for us.

Assessment 2

Module 1

Discussion Topic 1: Needs Assessment and Types of Need

Consider the four types of needs outlined in Bradshaw's framework cited in Naidoo & Willis (2009) and the competition between individual and population needs, experts and community members as outlined by Stevens (1998) and Wadsworth (2011). What in your opinion are the best ways to determine which needs take priority? What are the risks of giving more credence to experts over community members and vice versa?

Discussion Topic 2: Practical Examples of Different Needs Assessment Approaches

Reflect on your own practice, and the different needs assessment approaches described in the readings this week.

How might the nature and type of community (e.g. Indigenous community, school aged children, older adults) targeted for a health program influence the approach taken to needs assessment? (e.g. strengths based approach/appreciative enquiry, service/condition focused needs assessment, rapid appraisal).

If you have had any experience with needs assessment please share and reflect upon your experiences.

Module 2

Discussion Topic 1: Program Logic and Program Theory.

Using the readings, consider the benefits of developing both a program theory/theory of change and a logic model. What might be some of the risks of failing to specify a program theory?

Discussion Topic 2: Program Logic and Program Theoryn Basis for Planning and Evaluation

View the Youtube video on the "Don't stop it, swap it" campaign and the newspaper report of the evaluation (Whyte, S, 2012) from week 2. What do you think was the program theory for this campaign? What possible reasons can you think of as to why the program was considered unsuccessful? (refer back to the Funnell and Rogers (2011) chapter from Week 1 to assist with this question).

Funnell,S.C. & Rogers,P.J. 2011) Purposeful Program Theory: Effective Use of Theories of Change and Logic Models; Josey Bass

Module 3

Discussipn Topic 1: Developing a Program and Evaluation Plan

Take the example of a program that has a goal of reducing childhood obesity in a disadvantaged community. Outline some possible objectives and strategies for this program including multiple levels as described in Keleher et at (2006) p121. What are some potential challenges to implementing this program plan (e.g. access and equity issues, ethical issues)? Explain your response.

Discussion Topic 2: Planning in Practice. Involving the Community.

Compare the case studies of needs assessment and program planning provided in Laverack & Labonte (2000); and PIlotto et al (2011). Describe the factors that you think led to the success of their models of engaging community members in program planning (think about the role resources such as funding, staff and the nature of the communities Involved played). Using our previous example of childhood obesity what strategies or activities could potentially be used to empower and engage a disadvantaged community to address this issue? Suggest some Indicators that you could use to measure the progress of your efforts?