Scope of Health Policy & the Role of Change Agent (Essay Sample)

Scope of Health Policy & the Role of Change Agent
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Government or health organizations undertake specific actions or inaction with an aim of achieving certain health outcomes. Policies emanate from local, state or federal regulations and sometimes from court rulings on particular health issues. Some policies are institutional, or business oriented developed by hospitals and accrediting institutions like the (RWJF) Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (Abood, 2007). The nature of the policy depends on factors such as the location of decision making in the private or public sector, the scope of the policy and its implications on the health care system. Policies have broader coverage than procedures, and they largely reflect administration values. Policy processes engage different actors such as individuals and institutions that develop working relationships (Denisco & Barker, 2013).
Policy development is political in that politicians identify a priority and establish broad solutions. They embark in a 3 phase process that involves formulation, implementation and evaluation. The formulation stage requires brainstorming on ideas among pivotal individuals, organizations and interest groups (Abood, 2007). Implementation of the process often lies with executive bodies such as agencies or the local government that develops a set of rules (Exworthy, 2008). Evaluation involves making amendments to adjust to the specific circumstances. One example of evaluation is the change in the Medicare program that allowed APNs and clinical nurses to bill Medicare beneficiaries for certain services.
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) require developing a clear understanding of their role in the policy making process. They require shifting their focus to becoming full partners in the health policy process arena. They must serve actively in advisory committees, commissions and boards to make decisions that improve health outcomes for patients (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2011). Many nurses have established contacts with legislators, appointed officials and their staff to lobby for health policies. It is imperative to involve nurse participation in forums such as the senate and congressional nursing caucuses. It because they have the relevant skills in change and conflict resolution, negotiation, assertiveness and group process that are necessary for effectiveness in the policy process platforms (Denisco & Barker, 2013).
Nurses must also take advantage of the opportunity by the RWJF to participate in health policy processes at the federal level. They have an opportunity to receive intensive training to aid their delivery of messages aimed at improving health policy and practice. The training equips them with skills necessary when reporting to Congress about explored issues. They become fellows with detailed understanding about how to formulate policies. They also become better leaders striving to contribute to policy changes that improve health outcomes for patients. Nurses thus have a great opportunity to influence the evolving healthcare and health outcomes (Institute of Medicine (IOM), 2011).
There are numerous opportunities for nurse to participate in health policy formulation. APNS have a central role to play in the initial process of policy development. They can contribute their solid understanding of healthcare problems in the agenda setting phase. They also have a strategic opportunity to participate in the implementation phases of certain policies through offering ideas and solutions on the suitability of the policies. They can also contribu...