The Development of Problem-Structuring in Health Policy Analysis

Problem recognition and problem formulation are probably the most critical stages in health policy analysis. Problems of health policy can seldom be posed as a simple matter of selecting some means to achieve a desired end. The character of health problems demand of the analyst more than technical and mathematical skills. Valid criteria, constraints, and other elements have to be investigated to ensure a politically acceptable outcome. Some formulations lead nowhere or may even lead in the wrong direction. What seems like an obvious problem may not be a problem at all. On the other hand, when a genuine health problem, such as availability of hospital care in a given geographic locale or for a particular economic group of patients, is recognized, many solutions to remedy, or at least to alleviate, the problem quickly come to light.