Health Promotion On-Line Course

Module 5: Strategies >> Content Discussion - Part 2

Section A
Foundations of Health Promotion

Module 1
Definitions and Concepts

--Module 2
--Milestones

--Module 3
--Models of Health
--& Health Promotion

--Module 4
--Theories
-----

Section B
Health Promotion in Action

--Module 5
--Strategies
  --- Learning Outcomes
  --- Reflective Exercise
  --- Content Discussion
  --- Reflective Exercise
  --- Content Discussion
  --- Reflective Exercise
  --- Readings and Resources
-----

--Module 6
--Features

--Module 7
--Values
-----

Section C
Building your Health Promotion Practice

--Module 8
--Current Practice

--Module 9
--Future Considerations
-----

Content Discussion - Part 2

Characteristics of Effective Policies

In addition to meeting their intended objectives (e.g., reducing poverty, increasing physical activity, improving air quality…), effective policies:

are developed using a 'bottom up' approach (i.e., consulting with stakeholders to determine needs and appropriate solutions)
have realistic goals and objectives
do not rely exclusively on enforcement and punitive measures
are responsive to changing circumstances and unintended consequences

The Ontario Public Health Association (1995) developed a series of questions for reviewing draft policies prior to implementation. A policy is ready for implementation if these conditions are met (see Checklist 5.6 ).


5.6: Questions for Reviewing Draft Policies

<<Begin Checklist>>

Have you identified and analyzed the issues your policy needs to address?
Do you have sufficient information about these issues to support and justify the implementation of your policy?
Are your policy goals reasonable, and your policy objectives measurable?
Do you have the required support and approval of key decision makers? If not, how will it be obtained?
Have you selected your policy components and prepared a written policy that describes these components and a strategy for implementation?
Do you have an accurate estimate of the resources (time, money, person power and expertise) needed to implement and monitor your policy?
Is the time-line for implementation realistic?
Does your policy specify who is responsible for what?
Have you identified the barriers to implementation you are likely to encounter?
Do you have a plan for dealing with these barriers?
Have you shared your draft policy with other key stakeholders who will be responsible for implementation?
Is this the appropriate time to start implementing your policy?

Source: Ontario Public Health Association, 1995

<<End of checklist >>

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