How Policy Affect Employee at Work

Think about how policy affects every aspect of what an employee does at work.

Policy is often difficult to change. The reason is that policy refers to the laws that healthcare professionals live by in the healthcare world. Consider the role that policy plays in the day-to-day activities of a healthcare employee. In addition, consider that they often rely on data collected to ensure that the correction that they make to policy follows the evidence. Explore the following articles for a deep perspective on the topics of policy and politics and how they are interwoven:

For this assignment, respond to the following:

Discuss why this process must be difficult to be equitable in the form of representative government in the United States.
Explain the role of research and how it affects the policy analysis process.
Provide a specific example of how research helped develop or change a health-related policy.

The process of creating equitable policy in a representative government like the United States can be inherently difficult due to various factors. Here are a few reasons why this process may face challenges in achieving equity:

Diverse Interests: Representative government aims to represent the interests of a diverse population. However, different groups and stakeholders often have conflicting perspectives and priorities. Balancing these diverse interests and reaching a consensus that promotes equitable policies can be challenging.
Power Dynamics: Power dynamics play a significant role in the policy-making process. Wealthier and more influential individuals or groups often have greater access to policymakers and resources, allowing them to shape policies in their favor. This can create barriers to achieving equity, as marginalized or disadvantaged communities may struggle to have their voices heard and their needs addressed.
Political Polarization: The United States has experienced increasing political polarization in recent years. This can hinder the development of equitable policies, as partisan divisions can lead to gridlock, making it difficult to pass comprehensive legislation. Polarization can also limit the willingness of policymakers to engage in meaningful dialogue and compromise, further impeding the pursuit of equitable policy outcomes.

Research plays a crucial role in the policy analysis process, informing decision-making and promoting evidence-based policies. Here’s how research influences the policy analysis process:

Identifying Issues and Needs: Research helps identify healthcare issues, trends, and needs in society. It provides data and evidence to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and identify areas that require attention. Research can highlight health disparities, gaps in care, or emerging health challenges that policymakers need to address.
Evaluating Policy Options: Research enables policymakers to evaluate different policy options by examining their potential impacts, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility. It helps them understand the potential consequences of policy choices and select the most appropriate course of action based on evidence.
Informing Policy Design and Implementation: Research provides insights into the implementation of policies and their potential outcomes. It helps policymakers consider potential barriers, unintended consequences, and necessary adjustments to ensure effective policy implementation.

One specific example of how research has helped develop or change a health-related policy is the implementation of tobacco control measures. Research has consistently demonstrated the harmful effects of smoking on public health, including increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. This evidence has influenced the development and implementation of policies such as increased taxation on tobacco products, restrictions on smoking in public places, and graphic warning labels on cigarette packaging. Research has been instrumental in raising awareness about the health risks of smoking, shaping public opinion, and providing the evidence base for effective tobacco control policies.