Assessing and Framing the Policy Problem

Timeframe: Two-Days (see sample agenda below)

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe key components of a problem definition
2. Describe how to use systems thinking to define a problem
3. Frame (and reframe) a problem to your advantage
4. Describe how to structure a written problem/issue brief

Background

Public health professionals are increasingly working on policy, systems, and environmental solutions to health problems. For example, local or state organizations may plan to reduce childhood obesity by changing school district policies related to physical activity and nutrition. To effectively work on policy change, however, these professionals need to articulate the problem with a concise, relevant and compelling definition. Whoever develops the most effective definition will generally be able to influence the solution.

Workshop Description

During this 2-day, interactive workshop, participants begin developing skills for defining a health problem. The workshop guides participants in considering how problems are socially constructed, and how economic and other determinants can be identified as root causes of problems that lead to health disparities. Evidence is considered as leverage for policy officials. Participants are introduced to systems thinking to establish a boundary around the scope of a problem, and to point toward the type of solution to pursue. The workshop introduces participants to skills for framing and reframing messages, and concludes with a template for developing a problem brief for specific stakeholders (e.g., politicians, interest groups, administrators, or the general public).

The workshop will rely on multiple learning styles including experiential activities (e.g., case example, small group exercises, individual reflection), as well as PowerPoint slides and written materials. Facilitators guide the learning activities and provide background lecture for new concepts and methods. Emphasis will be on exploring the concepts, practicing techniques, and learning from the participants' collective skills and experience.

Target Audience

Public health professionals from state and local agencies, including: division managers; health promotion, health education and environmental health staff; clinical staff managing non-clinical programs; and key partners collaborating on policy, environmental, or systems change initiatives.

Relevance and Usefulness

Participants will gain a better understanding of how political discourse considers public health problems. After learning new concepts and practicing techniques, participants will have increased their skill in defining health problems – a first step in the public health Essential Service of developing health-supportive policy. The workshop introduces learners to two of the 21 specialized competencies promoted by the Directors of Health Promotion and Education and provides information relevant to the CHES competency on advocacy.

Session Agenda