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Analysis & Critical Thinking

NASPAA Core Competency 3:

To analyze, synthesize, think critically, make decisions, and solve problems in public administration, with a strong emphasis on quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as the ability to apply appropriate theories to a range of issues.

Organizational Ethics Audit Paper: The FDA’s Handling of the Opioid Epidemic

This ethics-focused organizational audit critically assesses the FDA's role in the opioid crisis, focusing on its regulatory failures concerning opioid prescription pain medications. It highlights the FDA's mishandling of approval processes, disregard for addiction risks, and susceptibility to pharmaceutical industry influence. By applying robust analytical methods, it demonstrates the NASPAA Core Competency of analysis and critical thinking in public administration. This document emphasizes the importance of thorough, ethical analysis in addressing complex health justice issues, and promotes a reevaluation of public administration's role in health equity and the opioid crisis.

Research Proposal: The impact of connecting housing-insecure patients with substance use disorder who visit the emergency department to housing and social care resources on patient health outcomes and healthcare utilization

This study proposal exemplifies the NASPAA Core Competency of analysis and critical thinking, addressing a key health justice issue in healthcare and public administration. It employs analytical skills to explore the impact of housing insecurity and substance use disorder on healthcare outcomes, specifically for frequent emergency department visitors. The study presents an innovative solution by connecting these patients with housing and social care resources, thereby effectively addressing social determinants of health. It further proposes a peer-based care model, showing how critical thinking can generate innovative solutions for existing barriers to care. This study demonstrates a deep understanding of systemic interventions, the handling of complex healthcare data, and the proposal of comprehensive, potentially transformative solutions. It illustrates how rigorous evidence-based research can help to develop inclusive healthcare strategies vital for health justice.

Research Proposal Appendices

  • Appendix A: Full Literature Review

  • Appendix B: Study Tools and Surveys

  • Appendix C: Sample Data Tables

  • Appendix D: Full Study Timeline

  • Appendix E: Budget

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