Guide to Writing a Policy Brief
Definition of a Policy Brief
A policy brief is a scientific achievement resulting from research projects and serves as a tool for establishing a connection between scientific evidence and policymaking. In a policy brief, accurate, concise, and factual information is provided to audiences, including policymakers, politicians, and government officials. This helps them quickly become aware of the issue (health problem), understand the urgency of the current problem, and consider alternative actions based on evidence-based policy recommendations.
Introduction and Description of the Components of a Policy Brief in Health
Title
Authors and Organizational Affiliation
Executive Summary in Persian and English
Provide a brief and useful explanation answering the following questions:
What is the problem?
What do we know (and what do we not know) about applicable options for addressing the problem?
What implementation considerations should be taken into account?
Introduction
To explain the issue and the necessity of drafting a policy brief, first introduce the problem (the issue that policymakers should pay attention to) and describe the conditions and context that have led to it. Then, describe the issue in terms of one or more of the following characteristics:
The nature and burden of diseases and injuries associated with this issue require preventive or therapeutic actions from the health system.
The programs, services, and medications needed for the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries arising from the issue.
Current arrangements in the health system regarding patient/community access to cost-effective programs, services, and medications, and the impact of these arrangements on specific patient groups/communities.
Methodology
This section provides information about the methods used to identify and select research evidence and evaluate evidence regarding the scientific quality of the study, the applicability of the results, and the consideration of health equity issues.
Note: It is preferable to prioritize synthesized research evidence, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses when preparing a policy brief.
Results
In this section, introduce the policy options and actionable strategies for addressing the issue, and evaluate them using findings from selected research evidence. Please refer to the table below:
Option Name: .......... Evaluation Aspects
Findings from systematic reviews or other existing research evidence
Advantages
Disadvantages
Costs and Cost-Effectiveness
Uncertainty Regarding Potential Benefits and Disadvantages
Key Elements of the Option (Why and How It Works)
Perspectives and Experiences of Stakeholders
Discussion
In this section, provide explanations regarding implementation considerations and potential barriers for executing each of the proposed options, categorized by different levels of planning and service delivery, including:
- a) Service recipients
- b) Service providers
- c) Service delivery units/organizations
- d) The health system at a macro level.
Additionally, provide suggestions for monitoring and evaluation programs.
Note: In completing the discussion, you may provide a conclusion and prioritization regarding the finalized policy options that should receive more attention from health policymakers, considering the current conditions of the health system in Iran and the consensus among experts (authors of the present policy brief). These options can also be introduced in the context of short-term, medium-term, and long-term timeframes.
List of Funding Sources (for the organization preparing the policy brief and for the brief itself)
Statement on Conflicts of Interest for the Authors
References
Appendices (if necessary)
A list of individuals who collected the resources, along with their organizational affiliations.
A list of key informants consulted for obtaining further insights on the topic or identifying relevant data and research evidence.