Policy Analysis in Medical Education: A Structured Approach

Abstract

“Educational policy analysis” is a formal discipline that has not been widely used in medical education. A review of literature shows that the lack of policy analysis “tools” results in an approach to educational policy analysis and/or development that may be fragmented and unorganized. This paper describes a twelve step, explicit approach to policy analysis within medical schools. An example of how to use this approach is included. Adoption of this method of policy will result in a more explicit and formal approach to curricular governance and educational decision-making within medical schools.