Health policy and reform is an incredibly complex process. Despite the experience of many nations in decentralization and other reform, the process remains strewn with challenges. Success is mixed with failure. Planning is the indispensable foundation of a well-managed reform process. In this section of the ERC, we provide readings and tools to help you assess the current situation and think through next steps.

Scaling Up HIV/AIDS Programs: A Manual for Multisectoral Planning
This manual explains in detail how to determine resource needs for national HIV/AIDS programs and provides templates for defining needs in all areas related to HIV/AIDS. The planning tool includes a coordination mechanism, tips for facilitators, and a set of objectives with indicators.

Turning Research into Action: The Decision-Linked Research Approach
This issue of The Manager presents a process known as "decision-linked research," the goal of which is to establish effective partnerships between researchers and decision makers so that research findings can be transformed into programmatic actions.

Integrating STD/HIV Services into Reproductive Health Settings
This issue of The Manager provides guidance on how to approach the challenge of integrating STD/HIV activities into reproductive health settings in a systematic fashion. It provides a framework for conducting a situation analysis to identify the needs and strategies for integrated services, and outlines steps for determining the kinds of activities that might be appropriate to integrate.

Tools
Field-tested instruments, procedures, and protocols:

The Decentralization Mapping Tool
A practical management tool for policymakers and managers in decentralized or decentralizing countries that identifies those health management functions for which responsibility and management authority are most ambiguous.

Hospital Recurrent Cost Projection Model
For use in planning for new and renovated hospital and clinic facilities, this model helps managers project the recurrent costs of operations.

Management and Organizational Sustainability Tool (MOST) Status Assessment
The Management and Organizational Sustainability Tool (MOST) is a package (instrument and user's guide) designed to facilitate management self-assessment and to support management improvement strategies in the context of a 3-3 1/2 day workshop.

Policy and Programmatic Use of DHS Data
Managers can use this tool to improve family planning program development and policy decision making by using client data from the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) to answer specific national and organizational level policy and programmatic questions.

Primary Health Care Management Advancement Programme (PHC MAP)
Modules aimed at building skills in the collection and use of information for the management of health programs in developing countries.

Framework for Analyzing Program Characteristics and Defining Priorities
This three-part matrix provides a framework for conducting research for developing a strategic plan of action.