Evidence-based policy versus morality policy: the case of syringe access programs

Area of Science:

• Public Health Policy
• Social Work Practice
• Evidence-Based Interventions

Background:

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) is standard in social work and public health.
• EBP can conflict with existing social policies, creating a paradox.
• Syringe access programs (SAP) exemplify this policy-practice gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• Explore the paradox of evidence-based policy.
• Examine the lack of evidence informing SAP policy.
• Identify strategies to bridge the gap between EBP and policy.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of syringe access programs (SAP).
• Review of theories explaining policy-practice paradoxes.
• Analysis of morality policy overuse in public health.

Main Results:

• Morality-based policies often override evidence in SAP.
• Historical and current theories explain the persistence of this paradox.
• Effective policy change requires reframing problems and shifting focus.

Conclusions:

• Bridging the gap requires understanding the convergence of factors.
• Moving beyond morality-based policy toward evidence-based policy is critical.
• Actionable steps and strategies are proposed for public health change.