Health Policy Analysis: Frameworks, Research Designs and Methodological Approaches

Abstract

Health policy analysis is a critical approach for examining the complex interactions among institutions, policymakers and ideas that influence health outcomes across diverse contexts. This paper outlines the fundamentals and significance of health policy analysis as a multidisciplinary method for understanding policy development, implementation and impact. It reviews commonly applied policy analysis frameworks, frequently utilised research designs including case studies, qualitative inquiries and mixed-methods approaches and key data collection methods including document review, key informant interviews, participant observation and surveys. The paper further highlights the critical role that nurses play in policy analysis and decision-making. Strengthening nursing engagement in this area requires enhancing policy education, fostering ongoing professional development, establishing institutional pathways for nurse representation, encouraging interprofessional collaboration and promoting the use of policy-relevant research. Advancing these capacities will support evidence-informed health policymaking and improve health system performance and patient outcomes.