Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to describe the relevance of public policy process theories to their states’ heart disease and stroke prevention programs.
Small groups will use a set of questions to guide their application of the theories to HDSP examples
This session provides an understanding of policy process theories without the traditional textbook approach. The session uses stroke as an example for applying the theories to seek policy “footholds.” A handout will be distributed during the session that provides a framework of key questions to be asked while planning how to change public policy. Each question will help the participant learn and apply relevant concepts from policy theories. For example, “What is the “big picture” of policy change?” helps identify trends in major and incremental policy change. Other questions include: Why is the process happening? Who is involved? How is policy developed? By the end of the session, participants will have heard about concepts from several theories and will have worked on examples related to stroke policy planning. The focus of the session will be on applying the theory concepts rather than learning specific theory terminology. By closing, participants will begin applying the concepts to their state-specific issues.
Handouts will be provided including a list of references for further reading on the theoretical concepts
