Policy Analysis Paper
Purpose: To investigate & integrate knowledge of advanced nursing practice, scholarly
inquiry, & leadership by examining a policy at the level of clinical practice, health care
systems, or public/social health policy. Submit a paper between 7-10 pages
long excluding title page and reference pages. Paper must be organized according to the
guidelines below and should include all the identified sections as required. Paper must be
completed in APA format and contain current scholarly sources dated from 2010 until
current.
Introduction
3 points
 Generally define & describe the policy issue to be addressed.
 Identify the purpose of analysis, the targeted level of policy (i.e., clinical
practice, health care systems, or public/social health) & significance of topic.
 Identify questions the policy analysis is intended to address.
Background
3 points
 Provide details of the issue or problem, including its nature/scope, relevant
literature & history, & the context within which the issue exists.
 Describe existing policy addressing the issue, if any.
 Discuss strengths & shortcomings in existing policy.
 Identify & describe key stakeholders (individuals & groups) that are or will
be affected by the policy & why.
Analysis
9 points
 Identify alternative policies to achieve objectives.
 Establish/identify criteria that will be used for selection of “best” policy.
 Evaluate each alternative & its potential impact relative to the healthcare &
patient outcomes.
 Assess the trade-offs between alternatives.
Recommendations
6 points
 Based on the analysis, identify the “best” alternative to address the current
issue & policy situation.
 Provide rationale forselection.
 Describe possible strategies to implement selected alternative.
 Identify barriers to implementation of selected alternative.
 Describe methods to evaluate policy implementation.
Discussion
6 points
 Discuss analysis & recommendations relative to the original questions
identified, & the level of policy it is intended to address (i.e., clinical
practice, health care systems, or public).
 Identify limitations of analysis.
 Discuss implications for practice, education, research, & policy-making.
Conclusion
1.5 points
 Summarize findings & recommendations of analysis
 Identify questions to be addressed in future studies or policy analyses.
References
1.5 points
 List all references cited in paper. Must be completed in APA format.
Appendices  Table displaying results of analysis, including, for example, a list of
alternatives & the degree to which each alternative may be most
effective. Other tables & appendices as needed to support analysis.
Must pass through TURNIT IN