Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law

Hyman, David A.
Do Good Stories Make Good Policy?
Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law - Volume 25, Number 6, December 2000, pp. 1149-1155

Duke University Press

David A. Hyman - Do Good Stories Make Good Policy? - Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law 25:6 Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law 25.6 (2000) 1149-1155 Report from the Field Do Good Stories Make for Good Policy? David A. Hyman University of Maryland School of Law First-person narrative accounts have long been a staple of policy debates. Reform advocates understand that policy wonks and academics may be persuaded with a regression analysis, but that the general public and legislators are more likely to be moved by a compelling story. Because of their simplicity and transparency, narratives can crystallize and mobilize public opinion, and force an issue to the top of the policy agenda. Personal stories are accordingly employed as a matter of routine by journalists, legislators, and advocates for every conceivable cause. Indeed, on Capitol Hill, the standard practice was described by the Los Angeles Times as "when studies don't sway, bring on the victims" (Lawrence 1990). Health care policy is routinely influenced by stories. Stories about patients being refused treatment by emergency rooms led to a federal prohibition of patient-dumping. Stories about bad outcomes after rapid postpartum discharges led to a federal prohibition on "drive-through deliveries." Stories about various forms of misconduct by managed care organizations have fueled the drive to enact a federal patients' bill of rights and spurred most of the states to enact such...