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Policy

How Evaluation Criteria Shape(s) Public Policy

When we talk about evaluating public policies, it’s easy to get caught up in the details—measuring success, gathering data, and checking boxes. But how do we actually decide what makes a policy “successful”? That’s where evaluation criteria come in. Evaluation criteria are the standards used to judge the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall value of policies. […]

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Policy

Building Resilience: The Key to Health Systems Preparedness

In a world increasingly threatened by natural disasters, pandemics, and other crises, health systems face unprecedented challenges. But with every challenge comes an opportunity—an opportunity to build resilience. The COVID-19 pandemic put health systems to the test, revealing gaps in preparedness and response across the globe. Now more than ever, the focus is on resilience: […]

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Policy

Switching to Opt-Out Organ Donation Policies: Is It Really the Game Changer We Think?

Organ donation is a life-saving act. But despite its importance, there remains a significant gap between the number of people who need transplants and the organs available for donation. As policymakers around the world grapple with this issue, many have looked to one seemingly simple solution: switching from an opt-in to an opt-out system for […]

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Policy

Governments Have the Power to Nudge Us Toward Healthier Food Choices

Governments worldwide have been using taxes and subsidies as tools to change what we eat. By imposing taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods while offering subsidies for healthier options, policymakers aim to encourage healthier diets and reduce the burden of obesity and related diseases. But how effective are these fiscal policies, really? A recent […]

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Policy

The Impact of Elections on Public Health: What the Data Reveal

Political decisions shape the health of our communities. It’s not just the policies we vote for that influence public health, but also the elected officials and their broader political ideologies. A recent working papter, “Politicians, Power, and the People’s Health: US Elections and State Health Outcomes, 2012-2024,” shines a light on how political conservatism or […]

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Policy

Public Opinion in University Emergencies: The Role of Emotions and Social Media

In today’s world, universities are much more than places of learning. They are integral to society, often reflecting broader social issues. However, when emergencies occur on campus, such as mental health crises or safety incidents involving students or teachers, these events can quickly escalate into widespread public concerns. With the rise of social media, these […]

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Policy

The True Cost of Life-Saving Drugs: Are We Paying Too Much?

Imagine this: You or a loved one is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Fortunately, a miracle drug exists—one that could save or dramatically improve life. But then comes the price tag: $300,000, $500,000, or even $1 million. Suddenly, what seemed like a lifeline felt out of reach. This scenario isn’t just hypothetical—it’s the harsh reality […]

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Health equity

The Impact of Patent Expirations

Imagine this: you’re a public health professional working tirelessly to ensure that patients get access to the best treatments available. You rely on cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) to guide your decisions, helping you navigate the complex terrain of drug pricing and healthcare resources. But what if the tools you rely on aren’t telling the whole story? […]

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Policy

Suicide Prevention through Means Restriction

Suicide is a significant public health crisis, claiming the lives of nearly 800,000 people worldwide every year. In many cases, the availability of means or methods plays a pivotal role in determining whether someone’s suicidal thoughts translate into action. By restricting access to these means—be it firearms, pesticides, or medications—public health strategies have proven effective […]

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Nutrition

Emergency SNAP Benefits Reduced Food Hardship for Many Families—But Not All

In 2020, as the world grappled with the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a quiet yet impactful change occurred in the United States: the federal government temporarily increased the amount of food purchasing assistance available to low-income households through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative, known as emergency allotments, aimed to help […]

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Health equity

The Hidden Health Crisis Behind Bars

Unlocking the Health Puzzle: A Look Inside Prisons Imagine a world within a world where over 11 million people live isolated from society, often in conditions that starkly contrast with the outside world. These aren’t just numbers; they are lives marked by hardship, vulnerability, and a profound need for help. Recent research has shone a […]

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Policy

Rural Patients Report Better Hospital Experiences

When you think about healthcare in rural America, what comes to mind? For many, the first thoughts might be about challenges: long distances to hospitals, fewer healthcare facilities, and a shortage of specialists. But what if I told you that rural patients often report better experiences in hospitals than their urban counterparts? That’s the intriguing […]

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Latest Insights & Research

Category: policy

How Evaluation Criteria Shape(s) Public Policy

Building Resilience: The Key to Health Systems Preparedness

Switching to Opt-Out Organ Donation Policies: Is It Really the Game Changer We Think?

Governments Have the Power to Nudge Us Toward Healthier Food Choices

The Impact of Elections on Public Health: What the Data Reveal

Public Opinion in University Emergencies: The Role of Emotions and Social Media

The True Cost of Life-Saving Drugs: Are We Paying Too Much?

The Impact of Patent Expirations

Suicide Prevention through Means Restriction

Emergency SNAP Benefits Reduced Food Hardship for Many Families—But Not All

The Hidden Health Crisis Behind Bars

Rural Patients Report Better Hospital Experiences

Latest Insights & Research

Category: policy

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every Thursday morning.