question archive A policy memo is written to provide an analysis or recommendation of an issue to a specific audience
A policy memo is written to provide an analysis or recommendation of an issue to a specific audience
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A policy memo is written to provide an analysis or recommendation of an issue to a specific audience. The memo can be used to inform and influence decision makers (busy people!), so they are generally brief and easily digestible and written clearly and concisely.
HCO 672/772 Perinatal Health Policy Memo Guidance A policy memo is written to provide an analysis or recommendation of an issue to a specific audience. The memo can be used to inform and influence decision makers (busy people!), so they are generally brief and easily digestible and written clearly and concisely. Choosing a Topic Choose something of interest that is connected to perinatal health but think broadly (global or domestic)! The following websites may give you some ideas: Statenetwork.org National Conference on State Legislatures American Public Health Association World Health Organization Organization of the Memo Introduction Scope of the Problem Current Approaches Proposed Program or Policy Major Constituencies Conclusion • Introduction: Identify your problem and recommendation. Create a sense of urgency-why is this issue important now? • Scope of the problem: Present the reader with the scope and nature of the problem. Who is affected? How does the issue impact health outcomes? • Current approaches: Review solutions to the problem. What are the strengths and weaknesses of current approaches? Are there gaps in the knowledge base? • Proposed program or policy: Identify your proposed solution. How will it influence the problem? Why is it the best solution? What are the predicted outcomes? Discuss some aspects of implementation—how implemented? How much? Risks, etc.? • Major constituencies: Who are key stakeholders? Who will be for your recommendation? Who against? How can you gather support from those who oppose? • Conclusion: Present your closing argument. Make it very clear what you support and why! Formatting Use bullets, figures, and tables for ease of communication to the reader! Remember that you are most likely writing to someone who doesn’t know all the public health “jargon”, so keep that in mind as you write. Your memo should be no more than 4 pages (double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 pt font). Please include a cover page that includes the title, date, and name. Also include a separate reference list, using AMA formatting. The references do not count toward the page limit. Other Tips Please review the resources below for additional tips on writing your memo! Policy Memos by Harvard Kennedy School USC’s Guide to Writing Policy Memos References: See Boston University SPH Resources for Students
