Policy Analysis and Barriers

Operational policy efficiency is an integral element of health reform; however, policies are not always implemented as envisioned and do not necessarily achieve intended results. Futures Group brings together partners from various sectors, identifies barriers to implementation, and encourages dialogue and consensus on country-owned solutions, which together result in concrete action items to improve implementation. We embrace the view that operational policy analysis and change are best carried out in partnership with local experts and stakeholders.

Under the USAID | Health Policy Initiative, Futures Group has developed tools for assessing policy barriers, including Policy/Program Implementation Barriers Analysis (PIBA, for HIV programs) and the Policy Implementation Assessment Tool (PIAT, for family planning, reproductive health, maternal health, and HIV policies).

Key Results

For example, use of PIAT has inspired dialogue and action in Uttarakhand, India. As of early 2009, stakeholders in Uttarakhand were revising the state’s policy based on the PIAT assessment, latest health data, and results of innovative reproductive health interventions.

Our tools can be adapted for use in other countries at different levels (e.g., state and district) and for varying health policy issues. Futures Group also undertakes analyses that look at a range of barriers, such as stigma, poverty, gender inequality, resources, and capacity.