Science and Art of Policy and Sausage Making

Not since the 1960's and 70's when social and environmental legislation resulted in such profound societal change has the public health community been faced with taking a leadership role in shaping policy with equally groundbreaking potential: From health reform to climate change we are confronted with both policy challenges and opportunities of momentous magnitude. Although one of the core functions of public health and the essential public health services, -- policy development, implementation and monitoring is not in general viewed as a core competency of every public health professional.

The role of science in effective policy making is influenced by an array factors including the policy topic at hand, gaps in the evidence base, the interdependence of scientific disciplines, the impact on vulnerable populations, the economic ramifications, and global implications. This set of factors is compounded by the complex relationships among science, policy, practice, and advocacy on the one hand, and between politics and policy on the other. The public health workforce is not evenly exposed to all aspects of policy, nor at a uniform level of depth. This presentation will provide a roadmap for public health policy development, implementation and evaluation, with an emphasis on the role of science.