Therapeutic Jurisprudence: A Framework for Evidence-Informed Health Care Policymaking

International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, Vol. 33, pp. 281-292, 2010

12 Pages Posted: 18 Dec 2010 Last revised: 22 Dec 2010

Date Written: 2010

Abstract

Translation of evidence-based practice (EBP) into health care policy is of growing importance, with discussions most often focused on how to fund and otherwise promote EBP through policy (i.e., at system level, beyond the bedside). Less attention has been focused on how to ensure that such policies – as enacted and implemented, and as distinguished from the practices underlying policies – do not themselves cause harm, or at least frustrate accomplishment of “therapeutic” goals of EBP. On a different front, principles of therapeutic jurisprudence (TJ) in law have been developed, most prominently in certain areas of law (e.g., mental health and family law), to support more collaborative, less traumatic advocacy and conflict resolution. This paper draws on current applications of TJ and translates such into a therapeutic approach to health care policymaking that moves beyond promotion of EBP in policy. Health care policy itself may be viewed as an intervention that impacts health, positively or not. The goal is to offer a framework for health care policymaking grounded in TJ principles that does not focus on which evidence is “right” for policy use, but rather how we can better understand how consequences of policy, intended or not, affect the well-being of populations. Such framework thus moves policymaking from an either/or debate to a data-and human-driven process. Utilizing TJ framing questions, policies can be developed and evaluated through open dialogue among diverse voices at the table, including – like interventions – the “patients” or, here, targets of such policies. Collectively, they clarify how ends sought – to enhance (or at least not impair) health – can best be achieved through policy when needed, recognizing that as an intervention, there are limits to and boundaries on the usefulness of policy.

Keywords: therapeutic jurisprudence, health care policymaking

Suggested Citation

Campbell, Amy T., Therapeutic Jurisprudence: A Framework for Evidence-Informed Health Care Policymaking (2010). International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, Vol. 33, pp. 281-292, 2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1726959

Amy T. Campbell (Contact Author)

UIC Law ( email )

300 S. State Street
Chicago, IL 60604
United States
3122122803 (Phone)

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