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Can research influence mental health policy?
1The University of Queenslnd. Brisbane, Australia. hwhiteford@worldbank.org
Objective:
This paper describes the processes involved in policy development and implementation with examples of how this can be influenced by the outcomes of research.
Method:
The author draws on his experience in the development and implementation of Australia's National Mental Health Policy and on the literature describing public policy analysis.
Results:
A five-step process of problem identification, policy development, political decision, policy implementation and evaluation is described. This process identifies how issues are considered, adopted and implemented by governments.
Conclusion:
An understanding of this process can inform mechanisms by which scientific research can impact on the issues considered and the decisions made in each step of policy analysis and development.
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