�Making and Writing Recommendations

Learning objectives

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Discuss the components of a good recommendation
• Write a compelling recommendation and call to action

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�Components of the Recommendation Section

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Objectives of the recommendations section

• A good recommendation should:
• Be evidence-based; based on data presented in the brief
• Offer a rationale for the option recommended
• Specific
• Feasible
• Cost-effective
• Discuss implications of implementing recommended option

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Components of the recommendations section

• One to two sentences summarizing the findings of the policy analysis
• A clear description of what should happen next to implement the recommended option
• A breakdown of the specific, practical steps or measures that need to be implemented
• These should be relevant, credible and feasible.
• A closing paragraph reemphasizing the importance of the action

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�Case Study Example

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Helmet law case study: Recommendation

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Recommendation: Summary

Summarize the findings of the policy options analysis

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Increasing police enforcement of wearing certified helmets is both feasible and cost-effective.

Recommendation: Implications

Describe what it means to implement the police enforcement strategy

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To implement this strategy, a compromise on the exact number of police hires and the salary costs must be reached with the Ministry of the Interior. The police officer training guide and implementation plan must also be reviewed and approved by the ministries of Interior, Health and Transport.

Recommendation: Next steps

Describe clearly what should happen next

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The Institute of Public Health will work closely with all stakeholders (ministries of Interior, Health and Transport; the World Health Organization; and the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation) to develop evidence-based training materials for police enforcement of a standardized motorcycle helmet law, as well as the implementation plan for enforcement, and public relations materials to inform the public.

Recommendation: Closing paragraph

Re-emphasize the importance of action

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Note: Using the outlines we are recommending here will help you include all the key elements needed for a good recommendation.

Recommendation criteria

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�Group Exercise

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Activity: Read/Review Sample Brief Recommendations

• Read and discuss the recommendations in each brief:
• The cost of inaction: Implications of the cigarette tax policy in Pakistan
• Policy brief on improving access to artemisinin-based combination therapies for malaria in Burkina Faso
• Water and Safe Clinics Policy Brief—Sierra Leone
• As you reach each brief, consider:
• Does the presentation of the recommendations meet the criteria listed in the Policy Brief Checklist?
• Is this a format or approach that might work well for your own recommendations section?

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Drafting your recommendations section

• Break into your groups and work on your recommendations section in the Policy Brief Template.

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END

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