Health Care Quality Policy - Essay Example

VICTORIAL GOVERNMENT ABORIGINAL HEALTH POLICY Student’s name Code & Course Professor’s Name University City Date Introduction Carley (2013) points out that policy analysis offers an essential tool to decisions makers using reliable information regarding how policies work in practice. This, Hill (2014) adds, entails the implications of the policies on economic, social, environmental, political, cultural and other factors. According to Hudson (2013), policy analysis could be given a two dimensional definition construct. That is; analysis of policy and analysis for policy. The former is descriptive and explains development of policies, while the latter is prescriptive and involves formulation of policies and proposals. Policy analysis is controlled or directed by the purpose of analysis and the area of analysis (Patton, Sawicki & Clark 2012). The health sector is crucial in the sustainable development of a nation. As such, policies in this sector cannot be overlooked. Gilson et al.,(2011) explains that health is affected by a plethora of factors operating at multiple levels. Hill (2014) argues that although quality of health services and access is significant, prevention is the most important aspect of health. Therefore, Korn & Graubard (2011) posit, quality health policies centre on health promotion and disease prevention. To the human service professionals and health promoters, policy analysis enables confident implementation of policy, articulation of policy shortcomings and proposing policy changes to improve health care services (Althaus, Bridgman & Davis 2013). This paper, analyses the policies of the Victorian Government Strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012-2022. The policy targets to achieve better health outcomes for the Aboriginal people. It identifies three major health areas that need particular attention and focuses the policies to increasing life expectancy and reducing child mortality. Criteria for Analyzing Policy Accessibility Health policy is key in improving of health care services (World Health Organization 2011). Gilson et al (2011) postulates that it is important, therefore, that these policies be made readily available and easily accessible to the public for scrutiny. This way, Carley (2013) explains, the general public is able to monitor the policy implementation processes as well as suggest policy changes where necessary. World Health Organization (2011) further argues that health policies are designed for the best interest of public health. Therefore, the public should be able to interpret these policies in order to fully support their implementation (Hill 2014). As such, this criterion seeks to answer the question: How accessible is ‘the Victorian Government Strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012-2022’ health policy to the public? Statement of problem Policy formulation usually arises from identification of crises or problems that need attention and solutions (Althaus, Bridgman & Davis 2013). Background studies are usually conducted to understand the scope of these problems to facilitate the policy formation processes (Korn & Graubard 2011). Using this criterion, this analysis addresses the questions: Does the policy identify the main health problem(s)? Does it examine the extent of the health problem? Does it explain the implications of the problem and why it has to be addressed? Policy Background Policies are built upon theoretically defined concepts and functional principles (Gilson et al 2011). It is important that the policy makers draw knowledge from existing theories, researches and frameworks in order to compile effective and reliable policies (Korn & Graubard 2011). This criterion examines: Whether the policy takes to account reliable underpinning theories/principles? Are these theories and principles reliable and relevant to the problem? Goals Policies require goals that would direct the implementation processes (Oliver Baxter, Brown & Bywood 2013). Korn & Graubard (2011) posit that using goals, the policy implementers strive to ensure that they are attained. Therefore, the goals set in policies are required to be SMART. In health policies, the main goal is usually to provide reliable and long lasting health solutions to communities (Gilson et al 2011). However, additional goals may arise depending with the health situations. This criterion scrutinizes: Whether the policy goals are clearly set? Are the goals SMART? Are the goals relevant to addressing the identified health crises? Public and Political Opportunities Public and political opportunities are vital in the successful implementation of formulated policies (Hudson 2013). Hill (2014) explains that health policies require the acceptance and the support of the public. They need to gain both public and political, confidence, approval and support for effective implementation (Oliver Baxter, Brown & Bywood 2013). This support in implementation can only be gained if the policies support public and political interests (Hudson 2013). It is therefore a necessary criterion for analyzing policy. It looks at the questions: What are the public interests in the policies? What are the political interests in the policies? What are the implications of these interests on the policies? Monitoring and Evaluation In policy making, it is important to explain the monitoring and evaluation procedures (Hill 2014). Althaus, Bridgman & Davis (2013) explain that monitoring and evaluation of policies is crucial in determining the outcomes of the policies and determining the success of the implementation process. The criterion examines? Whether the policy indicates monitoring and evaluation mechanisms? If the outcome measure for each of the policy objectives are measured? Are the criteria for evaluation clear and adequate? Who or what bodies with do the monitoring and evaluation? Policy Document Analysis Accessibility The policy document is easily and readily available to the public. The Victorian Government Strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012-2022 document is available on internet for download. The public is therefore able to check the policies and scrutinize the implementation processes of the policies. This goes a long way to improving the implementation of the health policies in the document (Althaus, Bridgman & Davis 2013). The public can also suggest changes to the policies where needed. As such, the public is able to take part in monitoring the policy implementation, hence according their support to the overall attainment of the policy goals. Statement of Problem In policy formulation, identification of the problem is key to formulating effective policies to counter these problems (Hill 2014). It is therefore important to specify the problems identified in order to control the formulation of policies. Policies generated in health policies are usually geared towards giving health solutions to certain health situations (Oliver Baxter, Brown & Bywood 2013). As such, background studies are always conducted to understand the root cause of the problems and the implications of the problems to the public. Understanding this, guides structuring and formulating of policies that relate to these problems (Korn & Graubard 2011). The document has a clear statement of problem. It points out that the government has identified key three areas which need to be improved. These areas are: smoking rates, school retention rates and over-representation in the child protection system. These are the problems that strategically resulted to the formulation of this policy document. Further, the government categorizes the problem into Department of health (the first) and the other two being related to health outcomes. As such an integrated approach is used in the formulation of the policies. The government recognizes these as the main health related challenges of the Victorian aboriginal community that need to be addressed in order to increase life expectancy and reduce child mortality rates. Policy Background Hill (2014) affirms that policies are not ideals that a mind wakes up with and imposes or suggests. Patton, Sawicki & Clark (2012) add weight to this statement by explaining that policies are constructed from thorough research and built upon tried theories and principles. This makes the policies, authentic and reliable to solving the problems that resulted to their formulation (Hudson 2013). To begin with, Koolin Balit bases the policy on an agreement by the Council of Australia Government (COAG) – the National Indigenous reform agreement (NIRA) to formulate policies that enhance closing the gap between Aboriginal and Non-aboriginal Australians. Balit recognizes that this would be necessary in the overall improvement of the health of the Aboriginal people. Further, the policies are governed by the Victorian Indigeneous Affair Framework (VIAF), Victorian Statement of Intent and Victorian Health Priorities Framework 2012-2022. These theoretical frameworks are relevant to the formulation of this policy that aims to improve the Victorian Aboriginal health. Goals Formulation of goals during policy making is a governing principle towards the making of policies (Golden et al 2015). Goals set clear guidelines through which policies are formulate and sustains objectivity in the policy making process (Oliver Baxter, Brown & Bywood 2013). Carley (2013) gives the defining standards of goals as: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reliable and Time bound (SMART). In the policy document, Balit clearly gives a strategic time frame though which the implementation of the policies will be carried out as 10 years. This time goal, considering the scope identified is realistic to the implementation of the policies. Koolin Balit further lines up key priorities which concisely form the goals for the policy. These include: A healthy start to life A healthy childhood A healthy transition to adulthood Caring for older people addressing risk factors Managing illnesses better with effective health services. Furthermore, the policy presents the enables that would facilitate the attainment of these goals as; improving data and evidence, strong Aboriginal organizations and cultural responsiveness. These goals are relevant to improving the Victorian Aboriginal Health which is the primary goal of the policy. Public and Political Opportunities Policies take care of both public and political interests (Althaus, Bridgman & Davis 2013). Carley (2013) argues that successful implementation of policies is possible with adequate public and political support. The Victorian Government Strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012-2022’ health policy, aim at improving the health of the Victorian Aboriginal people. The main strategy suggested is by closing the gap between the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Australians thus facilitating equity of health services. Consequently, this would improve the Aboriginal health; as such the policy serves the public interest. Koolin Balit, draws form COAG’s agreement regarding the closing of this gap between the Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal, hence serving the governments interest in advocating for better health for the Victorian aborigines. Monitoring and Evaluation of Policy Every policy requires monitoring and evaluation to affirm its effectiveness (Golden et al 2015). Koolin Balit clearly indicates that this policy document is strategically purposed to be a part of a process of change. A list of clear action and targets is provided. These go in line with the six key priorities and goals of the policy. The policy also relies on feedback from the aboriginal communities to continuously improve health outcomes. Evaluation of the Health Promotion Capacity Health promotion enables people to improve and increase control over their health (World Health Organization 2011). The Ottawa Charter of Health promotion lists the prerequisites for health as: Peace Shelter Education Food Income Stable ecosystem Sustainable resources Social justice and equity (McSweeney et al 2014). Gilson et al (2011) points out that these basic prerequisites are essential to the improvement of health. Koolin Balit in this policy document aims at closing the gap between the aboriginals and non-aboriginals in Australia. This gap closure will lead to an improvement in the living standards of the Victorian Aborigines and consequently promote their health standards with regards to these health prerequisites. In health promotion, the charter further articulates the need for enhancing socio-political and personal developments through advocacy of health (McSweeney et al 2014). Furthermore, it stipulates the importance of equity in health for health promotion and emphasize on government mediation and public roles in the promotion of health (World Health Organization 2011). In line with these requirements, the policy aims at achieving equity in the delivery of health services between the Aborigines and the Non-Aborigines by closing the existing gap between the two groups. The policy also encourages public participation and government involvement in improving of the health of the Victorian aborigines (Myers et al 2014). It draws from the COAG’s agreement that strategizes on closing the gap between the Aborigines and Non-Aborigines into suggestion of health promotions for the Aborigines through improved health services and access to health services. The key priorities or goals set by the policy are inclined towards the improvement of health of the Aborigines, granting them power and control over their health, which is according to the Ottawa Charter. Therefore, the policy is a tool for health promotion. Conclusion In conclusion, the Victorian Government Strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012-2022 is a health policy targeting at improving the health of the Victorian Aboriginal people. In the policy, Koolin Balit draws presents the existing gap between the Aborigines and Non-Aborigines in Australia as a cause to the health challenges facing the Victorian aborigines. Therefore, the policy targets to achieve closing this gap in the improvement of the health of the aborigines. The analysis of this policy drew upon accessibility, statement of problem, background, goals, public and political opportunities and monitoring and evaluation of the policy. Through these analysis elements and subsequent relation to the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion, the policy is presented as reliable and effective. As such, its successful implementation will improve the health of the Victorian Aboriginal people. Reference List Althaus, C., Bridgman, P., & Davis, G. (2013). The Australian policy handbook. Allen & Unwin. Carley, M. (2013). Rational Techniques in Policy Analysis: Policy Studies Institute. Elsevier. Gilson, L., Hanson, K., Sheikh, K., Agyepong, I. A., Ssengooba, F., & Bennett, S. (2011). Building the field of health policy and systems research: social science matters. PLoS Medicine, 8(8), e1001079. Golden, S. D., McLeroy, K. R., Green, L. W., Earp, J. A. L., & Lieberman, L. D. (2015). Upending the Social Ecological Model to Guide Health Promotion Efforts Toward Policy and Environmental Change. Health Education & Behavior, 42(1 suppl), 8S-14S. Hill, M. (2014). Policy Process: A Reader. Routledge. Hudson, V. M. (2013). Foreign policy analysis: classic and contemporary theory. Rowman & Littlefield. Korn, E. L., & Graubard, B. I. (2011). Analysis of health surveys (Vol. 323). John Wiley & Sons. McSweeney, J., Rainham, D., Johnson, S. A., Sherry, S. B., & Singleton, J. (2014). Indoor nature exposure (INE): a health-promotion framework. Health promotion international, dau081. Myers, J., Thorpe, S., Browne, J., Gibbons, K., & Brown, S. (2014). 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