Development and implementation of Australian State, territory, and national policy on the health and wellbeing of adolescents and young adults: An exploration of policy actor perspectives using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

Daniel Waller; Melissa Kang; Sally Gibson; Fiona Brooks; Sharon Medlow; Katharine Steinbeck; Lin Perry

doi:10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100112

Development and implementation of Australian State, territory, and national policy on the health and wellbeing of adolescents and young adults: An exploration of policy actor perspectives using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

Aust N Z J Public Health. 2024 Feb;48(1):100112. doi: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100112. Epub 2024 Jan 9.

Authors

Daniel Waller¹, Melissa Kang², Sally Gibson³, Fiona Brooks⁴, Sharon Medlow⁵, Katharine Steinbeck⁵, Lin Perry⁶

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; The Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia. Electronic address: Daniel.Waller@sydney.edu.au.
² The Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia.
³ Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
⁴ Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, 0627, New Zealand.
⁵ Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, 2006, Australia; The Academic Department of Adolescent Medicine, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia.
⁶ Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South Wales, 2007, Australia.

PMID: 38198902
DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100112

Abstract

Objectives: Government policies that support the health and wellbeing of young people (aged 10 to 25) can have important individual and societal impacts. The aim of this study was to explore policy actor perspectives on the development and implementation of Australian government policies focussed on the health and wellbeing of young people.

Methods: We utilised a qualitative research design consisting of semi-structured interviews with policy actors with experience working with Australian youth health policies. Our interview guide and analyses were informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). We interviewed 19 participants from various national, state, and territory bodies.

Results: Several specific barriers and facilitators to policy development and implementation were identified using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Key policy development barriers were limited available resources (e.g. staffing and funding) and low relative priority within health and political systems. Key policy implementation barriers were limited available resources, limited policy compatibility with health services, cosmopolitanism issues related to interagency collaboration, and a lack of policy evaluation. Meaningful engagement of young people could also be improved.

Conclusions: Although Australian youth health policies are perceived as evidence-based and comprehensively developed, the ability to promote implementation remains stalled.

Implications for public health: The development of policy implementation plans, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, funding and resources, and a strong commitment to removing barriers to working across multiple departments and systems is required to improve outcomes for young people.

Keywords: implementation science; policy; public health; youth.

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Australia
Health Policy*
Health Services Accessibility
Humans
Policy Making*
Qualitative Research
Young Adult