All midterm lectures flashcards

A series of flashcards that provide questions and answers based on the lecture notes regarding Philosophy, Ethics, and Policy. These flashcards are designed to help students review and understand key concepts in preparation for their exam.

What is policy generally defined as?

A set of interrelated decisions taken by a political actor or group regarding goals and means within a specified situation.

Why is understanding the policy-making process essential?

It helps to develop an understanding of thoughts, values, and ideas that influence policy.

What are the components of the policy cycle?

Identifying problems, option generation, implementation, evaluation, and revision.

What is the difference between consensus and critical policy approaches?

Consensus approaches aim for agreement among stakeholders, whereas critical approaches analyze power dynamics and conflicts.

What is epistemology in policy-making?

The study of knowledge generation and understanding within the context of policy.

What does ontology study?

Ontology studies existence and the kinds of things that exist.

What ethical principles are critical in health policy formation?

Justice, autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence.

Why study public policy?

It organizes and manages modern societies, influencing resource allocation and essential programs.

What is public policy as defined in the lecture?

A course of action or inaction chosen by public authorities addressing specific problems.

What does the term 'Framing' refer to in policy analysis?

The mental structures and categories used to interpret and address policy issues.

How does the concept of ideology affect policy-making?

Ideology acts as a lens for interpreting political narratives and filtering beliefs.

What is the relationship between worldviews and public health policies?

Worldviews shape beliefs about health, influencing how public policies are formed and perceived.

What are the key considerations in decision theory?

Ideology, worldviews, preferences, and the criteria that guide choices.

How does bias affect policy decisions?

Bias can lead to discriminatory behaviors and influence decision-making without conscious intent.

What are the normative ethics considerations in policy-making?

They assess what actions are right or wrong and the moral framework for deciding action.

What is virtue ethics?

A moral philosophy focusing on the character of the moral agent rather than strictly on rules or consequences.

What does deontology emphasize in ethics?

The inherent dignity and value of every individual, focusing on moral obligations.

What is consequentialism?

An ethical theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its outcomes.

Define 'autonomy' in the context of ethical principles.

Respecting an individual's right to make their own choices regarding health decisions.

What is the concept of beneficence in health policy?

Acting in the best interest of patients to promote their well-being.

How does non-maleficence apply to health policy?

The principle of 'do no harm' in health interventions and policy decisions.

Identify implications of societal structures in health policy.

Societal structures can impact health inequities and access to health resources.

What role does stakeholder interest play in policy processes?

Stakeholders influence the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies.

What does policy capacity refer to?

The ability of institutions to develop and implement effective policies.

Discuss the importance of equity in public health policy.

Equity ensures fair distribution of health resources and access among different populations.

How do biases influence ethical decision-making?

They can distort reasoning, leading to unjust outcomes in health policy.

Describe the significance of evidence in policy decisions.

Evidence guides rational decision-making and enhances the effectiveness of health policies.

What is the purpose of health promotion policies?

To improve health outcomes by addressing the determinants of health.

What is a 'public good'?

A service or resource that is provided to all members of a community, regardless of contribution.

Define externalities in health policy.

Effects on third parties not directly involved in a policy, which can impact health outcomes.

What is the role of the precautionary principle in health policy?

Taking preventive action in the face of uncertainty, particularly concerning public health risks.

How does the concept of 'opportunity cost' relate to health policy?

It reflects the cost of not choosing the next best alternative when allocating resources.

What is the role of the Health Canada in public health?

Health Canada regulates, manages, and promotes public health and safety initiatives.

What does the term 'social determinants of health' mean?

The conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that influence health outcomes.

How are health policies evaluated?

Through assessments of their impact, effectiveness, efficiency, and equity.

What are the domains of health policy analysis?

Health promotion, health education, health services, and research.

What is the significance of cost-effectiveness analysis in health policy?

It compares the costs and health outcomes of different interventions to determine value.

How does the public often perceive risks associated with health policies?

Perception may be influenced by media framing, myths, and cultural beliefs.

What are the components of the policy analysis triangle?

Content, actors, context, and process.

Define logic models in policy analysis.

A visual representation of the relationship between resources, activities, and expected impacts.

What are stakeholder analysis and its importance?

Identifying and understanding stakeholders to effectively engage them in the policy process.

How does public engagement influence policy effectiveness?

It fosters trust and compliance, making policies more successful.

What does the term 'socio-ecological model' refer to in public health?

A framework that considers the complex interplay between individual, relationship, community, and societal factors.

What is the ethical imperative behind using harm reduction strategies?

To minimize negative consequences of certain behaviors, promoting overall health.

Why are systematic reviews important in health policy?

They synthesize evidence across studies to inform better policy decisions.

Discuss the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in health policy.

It combines resources and expertise across sectors to address complex health challenges.

What is the significance of reporting adverse events in health policy?

To ensure safety and efficacy of health interventions and inform public trust.

Describe the implications of globalization on public health policy.

Globalization influences disease spread, resource allocation, and health standards across borders.

How is the effectiveness of health interventions measured?

By comparing health outcomes before and after the implementation of the intervention.

Explain the concept of economic burden in public health.

The total cost incurred by a society due to health conditions, including both direct and indirect costs.

What is the relationship between epidemiology and policy-making?

Epidemiology provides evidence that shapes health policies targeting disease prevention and control.

Define 'risk perception' in the context of public health.

How individuals perceive and react to risks associated with health behaviors or policies.

What role does the media play in shaping health policy perceptions?

The media frames issues, influences public opinion, and can impact policy decisions.

How can health policies address health equity issues?

By targeting resources and interventions to disadvantaged populations to reduce health disparities.

What defines a 'community health assessment'?

A systematic process to understand and improve health outcomes at the local level.

Define 'workplace health promotion programs'.

Programs designed to improve the health and well-being of employees through various health initiatives.

Describe the significance of health behavior theories in public health.

They help to understand and predict health-related behaviors, guiding policy initiatives.

What is the purpose of health literacy in public policy?

Improving individuals' ability to access, understand, and use health information for informed decision-making.

What constitutes social justice in health policy?

Fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and treatment in healthcare for all individuals.

How does the precautionary principle guide public health actions?

It advocates for preventive measures in the face of scientific uncertainty regarding health risks.

What is the goal of the Krever Commission in relation to blood safety?

To investigate the management of the blood supply and prevent past mistakes related to bloodborne diseases.

Outline the main components of good public health governance.

Effective regulation, accountability, transparency, and public engagement.

How do environmental factors influence community health?

They affect health behaviors, access to resources, and overall community well-being.

Explain the concept of the 'public health surveillance system'.

A systematic approach to collect, analyze, and interpret health data to inform public health actions.

Discuss the impact of obesity on health policy.

The rising obesity rates necessitate targeted policies to improve population health and reduce healthcare costs.

Describe the challenges of implementing health policies.

Resistance from stakeholders, funding constraints, and unintended consequences.

How do personal and social responsibility affect health decisions?

Individuals’ decisions can significantly impact their health and that of their communities, necessitating supportive policies.

What is the role of ethics in public health decision-making?

Ethics ensure that health policies respect individuals’ rights and promote equity and justice.

How are scientific uncertainties addressed in health policy?

Through the application of the precautionary principle and ongoing research.

What factors contribute to health disparities among populations?

Socioeconomic status, access to care, education, and systemic biases.

Why is stakeholder engagement critical in health policy development?

It ensures diverse perspectives are considered and promotes community ownership of health initiatives.

What does the term 'health impact assessment' entail?

Evaluating the potential health effects of a policy, program, or project before it is implemented.

Define community engagement in health promotion.

Active participation of community members in health initiatives to ensure program relevance and effectiveness.

How do public health initiatives leverage data effectively?

By utilizing data to identify needs, measure impacts, and adapt programs for better outcomes.

What is the significance of ethical frameworks in health policy?

They guide decision-making processes, ensuring fairness, accountability, and moral integrity in public health actions.

How can interdisciplinary collaborations enhance health policy initiatives?

They foster innovative solutions by combining expertise across different fields to address complex health issues.