In public policy, the concept of best practices is not only a discussion within the industry, but also an important guide that affects future decisions. From past successes, we can learn many strategies that can be applied to current policy challenges. These best practices are effective solutions developed by many countries and organizations when facing similar problems. Through the analysis of past experience, public policymakers can refer to these successful initiatives to improve current policy arrangements.
Best practices are a form of assessment based on reflection on past successful solutions to similar problems.
However, the concept of "best practices" is not without controversy. Since "best" itself is a subjective term, its specific application often requires detailed analysis and emphasis on background applicability. Effective policy depends not only on its technical nature but also on its unique social and cultural context. Public policy analysts, as well as scholars like Eugene Bardach, have developed a clear theoretical framework to help policymakers think systematically when choosing best practices. The eight-step framework includes the steps of defining the problem, gathering evidence, constructing options, selecting criteria, predicting outcomes, facing trade-offs, making a decision, and telling a story.
Effective policy depends not only on its technical nature but also on its unique social and cultural context.
Some people are skeptical about the effectiveness of best practices, arguing that such approaches are often based on a single instance sample and fail to fully assess the applicability of a practice in different situations. As Bretschneider suggests, best practices must take into account all relevant comparison methods to ensure their appropriateness in real situations. Therefore, before adopting a certain approach, policy analysts should pay attention to whether these methods are unique and effective in a specific culture and society.
In terms of environmental policy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the "Clean Energy and Environmental Action Guide", which summarizes the successful practices of states in clean energy policies and programs to help other places find suitable solutions. Address similar environmental challenges. Among them, building energy efficiency standards are a successful example. California’s Energy Code Section 24 highlights the application of energy efficiency in building design. Specific measures include educating and training key audiences, providing appropriate resources, and supporting budget allocation. .
Many public agencies and non-governmental organizations concerned with health and human services have begun to explore and adopt best practices to improve the quality of their services.
In health and human services, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) makes recommendations for each clinical preventive service based on a systematic review of medical evidence. These practices are based on established medical literature and are independently reviewed. Along the way, practitioners will adapt their services based on current research findings to more effectively reach those in need. However, in the face of different cultural backgrounds, the needs and perspectives of local communities vary, which makes the effective application of best practices different in different places.
For example, the San Francisco Department of Public Health's HIV/AIDS services for transgender people improved the culture and service capabilities of service providers by developing the "Transgender Best Practices Guide." The guide covers mental health, gender identity and clinical care practices. It is the first best practice document for HIV-positive transgender people in China and aims to provide more targeted support and education.
Ultimately, the application of best practices is not just a set of norms or codes of conduct, but should be viewed as a continuous improvement process. This means that continuous learning and adjustment are necessary in the formulation and implementation of policies. How can we continue to find suitable best practices in such a dynamic process and flexibly apply them to changing public policy environments?