Open AccessIlluminating the Consequences of Policy Change
Author(s) -
Jennifer Zelmer
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
healthcare policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.391
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1715-6580
pISSN - 1715-6572
DOI - 10.12927/hcpol.2018.25692
Subject(s) - unintended consequences , value (mathematics) , policy analysis , health policy , public economics , political science , actuarial science , economics , computer science , economic growth , public administration , health care , law , machine learning
The ripple effects of major policy changes are difficult to predict in advance. That is why the ability to track consequences of decisions - intended and unintended - is an important role of health services and policy research. In this issue of the journal, Janine Brown, Lilian Thorpe and Donna Goodridge discuss our ability to track medically assisted death (MAiD), one of the most significant health policy changes in Canada in recent history. Whatever one's views on MAiD, there is consensus on the need to understand how often, and in what circumstances, such deaths take place. Being able to track deaths in a consistent way also matters. Comparisons between different population groups, across regions of the country, and with other nations can be helpful in illuminating the effects of this policy and its application.