Making Healthy Public Policy

This course comprises three linked modules: 1) Health policy theory, development and analysis; 2) Critical thinking and problem solving; 3) The practical application of data for policy. 1) Policy theory, development and analysis explores the theory and practice of the development of public policy, health policy and healthy public policy. It examines ways to include prevention, protection and promotion in health policy and the placing of the determinants of health at the forefront of broader public policy development and analysis. There will be a focus on Health-in-All-Policies and discussion of the formulation and implementation of healthy public policy in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other vulnerable populations. 2) Critical thinking and problem solving provides students with the theory and skills to use knowledge, facts and data to effectively solve problems. The module focuses on using systems thinking to help solve problems using a series of case studies, with a focus on identifying the political context and key stakeholders, asking the right questions and identifying viable solutions. Applying critical thinking to improve reflective practice will also be examined. 3) The practical application of data for policy is an increasingly important skill in the development of evidence based policy. Students will explore how to find and assess evidence for policy application e.g. building evidence menus etc. Through a variety of practical exercises and case studies, students will explore how to take advantage of data and evidence when making decisions about policy and how these can be used to guide the development and analysis of healthy public policy. Each module includes a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues and utilises a variety of guest speakers who will focus on their experience of developing and analysing health policy and the practical application of critical thinking skills.