Health policy triangle framework: Narrative review of the recent literature

Abstract

Background

Developed in the late 20th century, the health policy triangle (HPT) is a policy analysis framework used and applied ubiquitously in the literature to analyse a large number of health-related issues.

Objective

To explore and summarise the application of the HPT framework to health-related (public) policy decisions in the recent literature.

Methods

This narrative review consisted of a systematic search and summary of included articles from January 2015 January 2020. Six electronic databases were searched. Included studies were required to use the HPT framework as part of their policy analysis. Data were analysed using principles of thematic analysis.

Results

Of the 2217 studies which were screened for inclusion, the final review comprised of 54 studies, mostly qualitative in nature. Five descriptive categorised themes emerged (i) health human resources, services and systems, (ii) communicable and non-communicable diseases, (iii) physical and mental health, (iv) antenatal and postnatal care and (v) miscellaneous. Most studies were conducted in lower to upper-middle income countries.

Conclusion

This review identified that the types of health policies analysed were almost all positioned at national or international level and primarily concerned public health issues. Given its generalisable nature, future research that applies the HPT framework to smaller scale health policy decisions investigated at local and regional levels, could be beneficial.

Highlights

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  In 1994, the health policy triangle was first described in the literature.

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  Its generalisable nature allows for analysis of many diverse health-related topics.

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  In recent years, its utilisation in low and middle-income countries has increased.