HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING

Scope & Guideline

Shaping Tomorrow's Health Policies Today.

Introduction

Welcome to the HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0268-1080
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1986 to 2024
AbbreviationHEALTH POLICY PLANN / Health Policy Plan.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressGREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Health Policy and Planning' serves as a critical platform for disseminating research that informs health policy and systems globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It focuses on the intersection of health policy, health systems, and their broader social determinants, emphasizing empirical studies that provide actionable insights for policymakers.
  1. Health Systems Strengthening:
    The journal emphasizes research on health systems strengthening, addressing how to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of health services in various contexts.
  2. Health Policy Analysis:
    It offers insights into health policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, with a focus on understanding the political, economic, and social contexts that influence health policies.
  3. Equity and Access to Health Services:
    A core area of focus is on health equity, examining disparities in access to health services and outcomes among different populations, particularly marginalized groups.
  4. Impact of Health Interventions:
    The journal publishes studies assessing the impact of specific health interventions, programs, and policies, providing evidence for their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
  5. Global Health Issues:
    Research addressing global health challenges, including infectious diseases, maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases, is a significant part of its scope.
  6. Community Engagement in Health:
    The journal highlights the importance of community engagement and participatory approaches in health policy and programming, recognizing local contexts and knowledge.
In recent years, 'Health Policy and Planning' has witnessed the emergence of several important themes that reflect the evolving priorities in health policy and systems research. These trends suggest a growing recognition of complex health challenges and the need for innovative solutions.
  1. Digital Health Innovations:
    There is an increasing focus on the role of digital health technologies, including telemedicine and mobile health applications, in improving health service delivery and access.
  2. Climate Change and Health:
    Emerging research addresses the intersection of climate change and health, highlighting the health impacts of environmental changes and the need for policies that integrate health and environmental considerations.
  3. Intersectionality in Health Policy:
    The concept of intersectionality is gaining traction, with studies examining how overlapping social identities impact health outcomes and access to services, advocating for more inclusive health policies.
  4. Resilience of Health Systems:
    Research on health systems resilience, particularly in the context of emergencies like pandemics or natural disasters, is increasingly prominent, emphasizing the need for adaptable health systems.
  5. Community Health Approaches:
    There is a growing emphasis on community health strategies that engage local populations in the design and implementation of health interventions, fostering ownership and sustainability.
  6. Equity-Focused Health Policies:
    An increasing number of studies are focusing on the development of equity-focused health policies, aimed at addressing social determinants of health and reducing disparities in health outcomes.

Declining or Waning

While 'Health Policy and Planning' covers a broad spectrum of health policy issues, some themes appear to be declining in prominence over recent years. This may reflect shifts in the global health landscape or changes in research funding and interest.
  1. Traditional Health Financing Models:
    There has been a noticeable decline in research focusing on traditional health financing models, as newer, innovative financing mechanisms gain traction in response to evolving health needs.
  2. Single-Disease Focus Studies:
    Research concentrated solely on single diseases, such as specific infectious diseases, is becoming less frequent as there is a growing emphasis on holistic approaches that address multiple health issues simultaneously.
  3. Static Health Policy Frameworks:
    Study of static health policy frameworks is waning, with a shift towards dynamic, adaptive policy frameworks that can respond to changing health landscapes, particularly in the context of crises like COVID-19.
  4. Over-reliance on Top-Down Policy Approaches:
    There appears to be a decreasing focus on top-down policy approaches, with more research advocating for participatory and community-driven health policy development.
  5. Limited Geographic Focus:
    Research that primarily examines health issues within narrow geographic boundaries is declining, as there is a greater push for comparative studies across different contexts and regions.

Similar Journals

Health Systems & Reform

Pioneering Research for Global Health Improvement
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2328-8604Frequency: 4 issues/year

Health Systems & Reform is a premier open-access journal that serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students interested in the dynamic fields of health informatics, health information management, and public health. Published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, this journal has quickly distinguished itself with impressive Q1 rankings in its category quartiles for 2023, indicating its leading position in the academic discourse of health systems research. With the ISSN 2328-8604 and E-ISSN 2328-8620, it has been committed to innovative research dissemination since it became open access in 2020, ensuring that critical findings are accessible to a wider audience. The journal's effective alignment with current challenges in health services and reforms makes it an essential platform for advancing knowledge and driving improvements in health systems globally. Recognized in the Scopus rankings, it holds a significant place within Public Health and Health Informatics, reinforcing its importance to academia and industry alike. Researchers engaging with this journal will find a wealth of pertinent discussions that facilitate the synthesis of practical solutions aimed at enhancing health care delivery.

Journal of Health Research

Driving change through quality health scholarship.
Publisher: COLL PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES, CHULALONGKORN UNIVISSN: 0857-4421Frequency: 6 issues/year

Welcome to the Journal of Health Research, an esteemed publication in the field of health policy and public health, published by COLL PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. With an E-ISSN of 2586-940X and an ISSN of 0857-4421, this open access journal has been dedicated to advancing scholarship since its transition to open access in 2018. The journal serves as a vital platform for disseminating high-quality research that addresses pressing health issues within both local and global contexts. It currently holds a Q3 rating in the categories of Health Policy and Public Health according to the 2023 Quartiles, and is ranked #395 in Public Health and #186 in Health Policy out of their respective categories on Scopus. With a commitment to fostering innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Journal of Health Research invites researchers, professionals, and students alike to contribute and engage in critical discussions that further the public health narrative.

PLOS MEDICINE

Unlocking groundbreaking insights for a healthier future.
Publisher: PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCEISSN: 1549-1277Frequency: 12 issues/year

PLOS Medicine, published by the Public Library of Science, stands as a preeminent open-access journal dedicated to advancing global health through impactful research and discourse. Established in 2004, it has maintained its open-access nature, ensuring that groundbreaking studies in medicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, and molecular biology remain accessible to a global audience. With an impressive ranking of 14 out of 636 in General Medicine and a remarkable 97th percentile according to Scopus, PLOS Medicine is recognized for its influential contributions to the medical community. The journal not only aims to disseminate high-quality research but also to foster collaboration across disciplines to improve health outcomes worldwide. Researchers, professionals, and students alike can benefit from the wealth of knowledge and innovations presented in this leading journal, making it an essential resource in the field of medical science.

Global Health-Science and Practice

Elevating Health Policy through Open Access Research.
Publisher: JOHNS HOPKINS CENTER COMMUNICATION PROGRAMS-CCPISSN: 2169-575XFrequency: 6 issues/year

Global Health-Science and Practice, published by the prestigious Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, is a vital open-access journal dedicated to advancing the fields of global health and health policy. With an ISSN of 2169-575X and a remarkable track record since its inception in 2013, this journal serves as a platform for innovative research and policy analysis, empowering a diverse audience including researchers, practitioners, and students. Currently ranked in the Q2 category in Health Policy and Public Health, and Q1 in Medicine (miscellaneous) as of 2023, it boasts Scopus rankings that highlight its influence and reach within the global health community. Located in Baltimore, MD, this journal not only facilitates the sharing of critical insights but also promotes evidence-based practices that can shape policy and improve health outcomes worldwide. With its commitment to accessibility and quality, Global Health-Science and Practice remains an essential resource for those dedicated to addressing global health challenges.

Lancet Child & Adolescent Health

Bridging Research and Real-World Application
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTDISSN: 2352-4642Frequency: 12 issues/year

Lancet Child & Adolescent Health is a premier academic journal published by Elsevier Scientific Ltd, focusing on groundbreaking research in the fields of Developmental Psychology and Pediatrics. Since its inception in 2017, the journal has quickly gained prominence, evidenced by its remarkable ranking in the Q1 quartile across both its disciplines and its impressive Scopus rankings, placing it in the 99th percentile of Developmental Psychology and Pediatric research. With an emphasis on enhancing child and adolescent health outcomes through high-quality, peer-reviewed articles, the journal serves as an essential platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, and academics. Although it operates without open access, the impact of this journal extends globally as it bridges the gap between innovative research and practical application in clinical settings, elucidating the ever-evolving landscape of child and adolescent health. It is located in the vibrant academic environment of the Netherlands, providing a crucial repository for knowledge aimed at transforming practices and improving well-being for younger populations.

Health Policy OPEN

Fostering evidence-based discussions for impactful health reforms.
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: Frequency: 1 issue/year

Health Policy OPEN is an esteemed open-access journal published by Elsevier that has made significant contributions to the field of health policy since its inception in 2020. With an impact factor placing it in the prestigious Q2 category of health policy journals, it ranks 116 out of 310 within the Scopus database, highlighting its critical engagement in the field and situating it within the 62nd percentile. As an open-access platform, Health Policy OPEN promotes the dissemination of high-quality research, making it accessible to a global audience of researchers, professionals, and students alike. The journal focuses on topical issues, innovative approaches, and evidence-based practices that shape health policies worldwide. With its headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the journal serves as a vital resource for advancing knowledge and fostering discussions that drive health policy initiatives and reforms. Engage with Health Policy OPEN to contribute to the evolving landscape of health policy and to stay informed on the latest research advancements.

BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH

Empowering healthcare innovation with open-access insights.
Publisher: BMCISSN: Frequency: 1 issue/year

BMC Health Services Research is a leading open-access journal dedicated to advancing the field of health policy and services research. Published by BMC since 2001 and based in the United Kingdom, this journal has established itself as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike, fostering a deeper understanding of health care systems and policies. With an impressive 2023 Q1 ranking in the Health Policy category and a Scopus rank of 90/310, it clearly demonstrates its commitment to high-quality, impactful research. The journal's open-access model ensures that research findings are accessible to a global audience, promoting collaboration and innovation in health services. Spanning from 2001 to 2024, BMC Health Services Research is poised to remain at the forefront of health services research, making significant contributions to policy formulation and practice improvement in the healthcare sector.

Global Health Action

Connecting researchers to foster global health equity.
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: Frequency: 1 issue/year

Global Health Action, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is a premier academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of global health, particularly in health policy and public health. Since its inception in 2008, this Open Access journal has played a pivotal role in fostering knowledge dissemination and collaborative research, allowing for a wider reach and engagement within the global health community. With a prestigious Q1 ranking in both Health Policy and Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health categories as of 2023, it emphasizes high-quality, impactful research that addresses pressing global health challenges. The journal serves as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students to share their findings and insights, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on health equity, sustainability, and policy effectiveness. Situated in the United Kingdom, Global Health Action continues to lead the charge in promoting innovative solutions and evidence-based approaches to health issues worldwide, making it an indispensable resource for anyone committed to improving global health standards.

Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific

Driving Evidence-Based Practices in Public Health
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: Frequency: 12 issues/year

Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific is a premier academic journal published by Elsevier, focusing on the diverse and dynamic field of health in the Western Pacific region. With an impressive Q1 ranking across several vital categories such as Geriatrics and Gerontology, Health Policy, Infectious Diseases, and Public Health, this journal is positioned at the forefront of health research and policy development. The journal aims to provide a platform for innovative research, reviews, and opinion pieces that lead to improved health outcomes and influence health policy across this geographically and culturally rich area. Offering open access to its content, Lancet Regional Health-Western Pacific ensures that the latest findings are readily available to researchers, professionals, and policymakers alike, ultimately contributing to the global discourse on health issues. As it continually strives to maintain rigorous publication standards, the journal serves as a crucial resource in promoting evidence-based practices and driving advancements in public health.

Health Economics Review

Empowering decision-makers with robust economic evaluations.
Publisher: BMCISSN: 2191-1991Frequency: 1 issue/year

Health Economics Review is a premier, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and research in the dynamic field of health economics and policy. Published by BMC, this Open Access journal has been a vital resource since 2011, providing a platform for scholars and practitioners to share their findings and insights on pressing health policy issues. With an impressive Q2 ranking in the Health Policy category and a Scopus rank of 113 out of 310, it reflects a solid standing within the academic community, capturing a 63rd percentile ranking that underscores its contribution to the field. The journal covers an extensive range of topics including health systems, economic evaluations, and policy analysis, making it essential reading for researchers, health professionals, and policymakers. Located in Germany, with an operational address at CAMPUS, 4 Crinan St, London, the journal is committed to fostering innovation and collaboration in health economics, thereby shaping a healthier future for all.