Policy analysis

Policy Analysis

In health policy analysis it is useful to acknowledge that there are three broad levels of analysis, or emphasis, within which studies can be carried out (Ham and Hill, 1984):

• Micro-level analysis which is concerned chiefly with identifying who makes decisions and how choices are made within organizations;
• Mid-level analysis which focuses on the health "policy making process" and the actions and mechanisms whereby the agenda is defined and policies brought into practice; and
• Macro-level analysis where analysis, criticism and evaluation of the existing health care system within its economic, political and cultural context is the principal objective. While it is useful to acknowledge that there are three broad levels of analysis, you can carry out an analysis by applying a broad spectrum of questions to the policy under question.