The public policy problem of interest

Defining the public policy problem of interest is a key opening stage in policy analysis. In cautioning analysts about some of the possible pitfalls in problem definition, Bardach and Patashnik (2016) call attention to the risks of including the policy solution in the initial formulation of the issue at stake.

1) Why do you think this caution could be useful for public health policy analysts?

E.g., If someone frames the issue of low fruit and vegetable consumption as an issue of lack of access to full-service grocery stores, the problem definition implicitly points to more grocery stores as the preferred policy option, and this happens even before the analysts start considering and evaluating the possible alternatives.

2) What other example/s can you think of?