Use of evidence to support healthy public policy: a policy effectiveness-feasibility loop

• DOI: 10.2471/blt.12.104968
• Publication Date: 2012-11-06T09:50:11Z
• Authors: Sarah Bowman; Nigel Unwin; Julia Critchley; Simon Capewell; Abdullatif Husseini; Wasim Maziak; Shahaduz Zaman; Habiba Ben Romdhane; Fouad Fouad; Peter Phillimore; Belgin Unal; Rana Khatib; Azza Shoaibi; Balsam Ahmad
• Keywords: Population Health

Healthy public policy and its potentialPublic policies, defined here as policies formulated at any level of government, 1 have been key in bringing about some the great health achievements 19th 20th centuries, including clean water sanitation, immunization, safe working conditions fluoridation water. 2 These examples represent "healthy policies", that is, or are intended to a positive impact on population health.Thus, provide one primary means for society organize efforts protect improve health. 3It is increasingly recognized can also play role prevention control chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs).Indeed, United Nations High-Level Meeting Non-Communicable Diseases strongly emphasized need population-wide interventions involving education, legislation regulatory fiscal measures. 4ublic measures likely be important promoting healthier diets physical activity they reducing exposure tobacco.However, evidence which effective much scantier than surrounding tobacco known highly effective. 5,6althy should directed by evidence. 7,8owever, an evidence-based approach formulating healthy has proved difficult develop implement. 9Evidence required three broad areas: content, implementation (i.e.translating content into policy) outcomes (i.e.achievement desired effect). 9The aim this paper present framework designed facilitate development NCDs.The framework, "policy effectiveness-feasibility loop" (PEFL), combines epidemiological modelling, local situation analysis option appraisal explicitly involve policy-makers.Below we describe PEFL application within project four parts eastern Mediterranean. Policy-making researchIn developing were guided literature factors influence ways encouraging use research formulate (Box 1).The highlights importance "interface" between researchers policy-makers, particularly personal contact dialogue them.Policy-makers receive