Streamlining political economy analysis approaches in health systems research

Addressing crises in national health systems sustainability requires understanding the political context and identifying political entry points for initiating change. Political economy analysis (PEA) aids in understanding the political dimensions of any context and informs policy and programs. Yet, traditional PEA methods are often viewed as complex and resource intensive.

Amidst COVID-19, USAID MTaPS developed a methodology for streamlined PEA. Although streamlined PEA uses many of the same tools that support traditional PEA approaches, it can be completed in as little as four weeks and conducted remotely as needed. This allows the PEA to be conducted during the inception or startup phase of a new project or to be repeated periodically to track trends or shift context.

This poster outlines the streamlined PEA  approach and was developed by USAID MTaPS for presentation during the Seventh Global Symposium on Health Systems Research from October 31 – November 4, 2022, in Bogota, Colombia.