Evidence-Based Policy and Budgeting

Public Health leaders must be prepared to both influence and understand policies using evidence. The dynamic relationship between research and policy necessitates specific training in a wide range of methods. This course will build skills to prepare students to (1) assess the strength of existing evidence on a health topic and summarize the data to be used to advise policymakers; (2) understand economic implications of a proposed or existing policy using several economic evaluation approaches; (3) develop evidence-based recommendations to be delivered to policymakers in terms they find most relevant. The main goal is for students to understand when a variety of analyses and their related tools are appropriate; how to apply them when communicating with specialists; and when to deploy them in their own public health leadership practice. Specifically, students will develop skills related to: synthesizing evidence from the peer-reviewed literature; performing meta-analyses; using cost-effectiveness analysis to inform decisions about improving health through policy and decision-making; conducting budget impact analysis and social return on investment analysis; communicating complex evidence to decision-makers. This is a doctoral-level course however, advanced master's students are encouraged to enroll.