Reading Assignment

 Chapter 1: Introduction (2021). In Strategizing national health in the 21st century: a

handbook. World Health
Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/strategizing-national-health-in-
the-21st-century-a-handbook

 Chapter 3: Situation analysis of the health sector. (2021). In Strategizing national health
in the 21st century: a handbook. World Health
Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/strategizing-national-health-in-
the-21st-century-a-handbook

 List of countries with universal healthcare. (2013, January 21). True Cost - Analyzing our
economy, government policy, and society through the lens of cost-
benefit. https://truecostblog.com/2009/08/09/countries-with-universal-healthcare-by-date/

 Murray, C. J., & Lopez, A. D. (1996, November 1). Evidence-based health policy---
Lessons from the Global burden of disease study. Science, 274 (5288), 740-743.

https://web.archive.org/web/20210415015111/http://www.eurohex.eu/
bibliography/pdf/0619262817/Murray_1996_Science.pdf

o NOTE: If the link provided is not working. This article can be found in JSTOR
through the UoPeople Library. Click on the JSTOR icon and copy and paste the
title of the book in the search bar.

 Wright, J., Williams, R., & Wilkinson, J. R. (1998, April 25). Development and
importance of health needs assessment. Bmj,316 (7140), 1310-
1313. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1113037/

Discussion Assignment
After reading Murray, C. J., & Lopez, A. D. (1996). Evidence-based health policy---Lessons
from the Global Burden of Disease Study, what do you think are the critical implications to
emerge from this study? Is creating evidenced-based health policy a viable option in the global
environment? What do think are the benefits and barriers to evidence-based health policy?

Be sure to pose 1-2 well thought out questions from which your colleagues can formulate a
response or generate further discussion.

Your Discussion should be a minimum of 250 words in length and not more than 750 words. Use
APA citations and references for the textbook and any other sources used.

The study conducted by Murray and Lopez in 1996, titled "Evidence-based health policy---Lessons from
the Global Burden of Disease Study," provides valuable insights into the critical implications of evidence-
based health policy and its viability in the global environment. This study highlights the importance of
using evidence to inform health policy decisions and identifies both the benefits and barriers associated
with implementing evidence-based approaches. The study's findings have critical implications for global
health policy in various ways.

First, the study highlighted the shift in the global burden of disease from communicable to non-
communicable diseases and injuries, thus prompting a rethinking of health priorities(Murray & Lopez,
1996). The study also emphasized the importance of considering disability as a critical aspect of the
disease burden, an aspect that had been previously overlooked (Murray & Lopez, 1996). This new
perspective could lead to a more comprehensive approach to health policy, incorporating preventive and
curative measures for both physical and mental health conditions.

Creating evidence-based health policy is a viable option in the global environment, but it may present
some challenges. The benefits include the development of policies that are effective and efficient,
capable of addressing the most significant health issues based on empirical data(WHO,2021). It also
allows for better allocation of resources and can guide international health aid towards areas of greatest
need.

However, there are also barriers to the implementation of evidence-based health policy. One significant
barrier is the lack of comprehensive, high-quality health data in many regions, particularly low-income
countries. Additionally, while evidence can inform policy, the process is also influenced by political,
cultural, and economic factors, which may not align with evidence-based recommendations.

In conclusion, the study by Murray and Lopez highlights the critical implications of evidence-based
health policy and its viability in the global environment. Creating evidenced-based health policy is indeed
a viable option that can lead to improved health outcomes and promote equity in healthcare. The
benefits of evidence-based approaches include informed decision-making, efficient resource allocation,
transparency, and accountability. However, barriers such as limited access to high-quality evidence and
potential conflicts with political considerations must be addressed to fully realize the potential of
evidence-based health policy.

Question

1. How can global health organizations and governments work together to overcome the barriers to
evidence-based health policy?

2.How can we ensure that the data used in evidence-based health policy is comprehensive and of high
quality, especially in low-income countries where data collection may be challenging?

References:

Murray, C. J., & Lopez, A. D. (1996, November 1). Evidence-based health policy---Lessons
from the Global burden of disease study. Science, 274 (5288), 740-743.
https://web.archive.org/web/20210415015111/http://www.eurohex.eu/bibliography/pdf/
0619262817/Murray_1996_Science.pdf

WHO. (2021). Strategizing national health in the 21st century: a handbook.

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/strategizing-national-health-in-the-21st-century-a-
handbook

According to www.iAsk.ai Ask Ai Search Engine:

One of the critical implications that emerge from this study is the need for policymakers to base their
decisions on reliable and up-to-date evidence. The Global Burden of Disease Study demonstrated the
significant impact of various diseases and risk factors on population health, highlighting the importance
of addressing these issues through evidence-based interventions. By utilizing robust data and research
findings, policymakers can prioritize interventions that have proven effectiveness, leading to improved
health outcomes.

Another key implication is the potential for evidence-based health policy to promote equity in
healthcare. The study showed that certain diseases and risk factors disproportionately affect specific
populations, such as low-income communities or marginalized groups. By adopting an evidence-based
approach, policymakers can identify these disparities and develop targeted interventions to address
them effectively. This can help reduce health inequalities and ensure that resources are allocated
equitably across different populations.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between researchers, policymakers,
and other stakeholders in developing evidence-based health policies. Effective communication and
knowledge exchange between these groups are crucial for translating research findings into actionable
policies. By fostering partnerships and engaging with experts in various fields, policymakers can access a
wide range of expertise and ensure that policies are grounded in the best available evidence.

Regarding the viability of creating evidence-based health policy in the global environment, it is indeed a
viable option. Evidence-based approaches have gained recognition worldwide as a means to improve
healthcare outcomes and optimize resource allocation. Many countries have already embraced this
approach by establishing institutions dedicated to generating and synthesizing evidence for policymaking
purposes. For example, organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Cochrane
Collaboration play a crucial role in promoting evidence-based health policy globally.

The benefits of evidence-based health policy are numerous. Firstly, it allows policymakers to make
informed decisions based on the best available evidence, leading to more effective interventions and
improved health outcomes. By prioritizing interventions with proven effectiveness, resources can be
allocated efficiently, maximizing the impact of healthcare investments. Additionally, evidence-based
approaches promote transparency and accountability in policymaking, as decisions are grounded in
objective data rather than personal biases or political considerations.

However, there are also several barriers to implementing evidence-based health policy. One significant
challenge is the availability and accessibility of high-quality evidence. Policymakers often face limitations
in accessing relevant research findings, especially in low-resource settings or when dealing with
emerging health issues. Additionally, the complexity and volume of scientific literature can make it
challenging for policymakers to identify and interpret the most relevant evidence.

Another barrier is the potential conflict between evidence-based recommendations and political
considerations. Policymaking is a complex process influenced by various factors, including public opinion,
economic considerations, and competing interests. In some cases, evidence-based recommendations
may contradict political agendas or face resistance from stakeholders with vested interests. Overcoming
these barriers requires strong leadership, effective communication strategies, and a commitment to
prioritizing public health over other considerations.

In conclusion, the study by Murray and Lopez highlights the critical implications of evidence-based
health policy and its viability in the global environment. Creating evidenced-based health policy is indeed
a viable option that can lead to improved health outcomes and promote equity in healthcare. The
benefits of evidence-based approaches include informed decision-making, efficient resource allocation,
transparency, and accountability. However, barriers such as limited access to high-quality evidence and
potential conflicts with political considerations must be addressed to fully realize the potential of
evidence-based health policy.

References:

1. Murray CJ, Lopez AD. Evidence-based health policy---lessons from the Global Burden of Disease Study.
Science. 1996 Jun 14;274(5288):740-3. doi: 10.1126/science.274.5288.740. PMID: 8966556.

2. World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/

3. The Cochrane Collaboration - https://www.cochrane.org/

The Murray and Lopez (1996) study on evidence-based health policy provides a comprehensive
overview of the impact of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD). The study found that the
GBD was able to provide a comprehensive assessment of the burden of illness and injury, and
was able to measure the effects of policy on health outcomes. The study also found that the GBD
was able to provide evidence for policy decisions, as well as a better understanding of the global
health situation.

The critical implications to emerge from the Murray and Lopez (1996) study are that evidence-
based health policy is an effective way to address global health issues. Evidence-based health
policy has the potential to reduce the burden of illness and injury, and to improve health
outcomes. However, there are several barriers to the implementation of evidence-based health
policy. These include a lack of resources, political constraints, and a lack of understanding of the
evidence-base.

The study by Murray and Lopez (1996) suggests that creating evidence-based health policy is a
viable option in the global environment. Evidence-based health policy can be used to inform
policy decisions and to encourage a more effective use of resources. However, further research is
needed to understand the benefits and barriers to evidence-based health policy.

Questions for further discussion:

1. What strategies can be used to overcome the barriers to evidence-based health policy?
2. How can the evidence-base be used to improve global health outcomes?