College of Public Health
UNMC_Acronym_Vert_sm_4c
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Home — College of Public Health — Centers — Center for Health Policy — Health Policy Brief Project

Health Policy Brief Project

The Center for Health Policy encourages innovation in health policy that can shape regional and national healthcare initiatives at the state, regional, and national levels.

To encourage innovation, the Center has established the Policy Brief Project where researchers, academics, legislators, public health leaders, policy experts, practitioners, and health administration leaders can submit policy ideas, directions, and advancement ideas.

General Criteria

A policy brief is expected to report and analyze current problems/challenges of a health topic within the scope of access, delivery, funding, public health, transformation, health improvement, social determinants, and equity.

Learn more about writing policy briefs. 

Criteria One
Demonstrate the transformation from research to policy. The policy brief must address a current and significant healthcare issue. It should provide clear, actionable recommendations that are relevant to policymakers, stakeholders, and healthcare professionals.
Criteria Two
Documentation of evidence-based research. All recommendations and statements must be supported by current, credible evidence and data. References to research studies, statistics, and expert opinions are required.
Criteria Three

Demonstrates a novel or innovative approach with clarity and conciseness.

Format and Submission

  • Title: Clear and descriptive.
    • Authorship and Affiliation: Include all authors' names, credentials, and affiliations. Provide contact information for correspondence.
  • Executive Summary: A brief overview of the issue, main points, and recommendations (150-200 words).
    • Background: Context and significance of the issue, define issue.
    • Policy Options: Analysis of possible solutions or interventions.
    • Recommendations: Specific, actionable recommendations.
    • Conclusion: Summary of key points and urgency.
  • Body of the Brief
    • Background/Issue: Explain the issue’s context, importance, and impact. Use backing and evidence-based background.
    • Options Direction: Present and evaluate various policy alternatives.
    • Recommendations: Offer clear, actionable recommendations.
    • Conclusion: Reinforce the urgency and importance of the issue.
  • References: List all sources in a standard citation format (e.g., APA, MLA).
    • Consent for publication: Agree to publish on the UNMC Center or Health Policy Website.
    • Availability of data and material. Contact the author.
    • Competing interests, list any.
    • Funding declaration. Provide any.
    • Authors' contributions.
    • Acknowledgments.
    • Authors' information (optional).

 Formatting

  • Document Type: Submit as a PDF or Word doc.
  • Font and Size: Use a readable font (e.g., Times New Roman) in size 12.
    • Spacing: Use single spacing.
    • Margins: Set margins to 1 inch on all sides.
    • Length: The entire brief should not exceed 4 pages, excluding references.

Submission Process

Submit by emailing Stephen Peters, MA.