Assignment 2: Health Policy Proposal Analysis Policy Brief

Assignment 2 Health Policy Proposal Analysis Policy Briefnurses Eng

Review the Lavis et al. article on preparing and writing policy briefs provided in the Learning Resources. Select one recommendation from the IOM “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” report to analyze for your policy brief. Research the background of the problem, previous efforts to address it, and what the recommendation proposes. Determine if groups such as professional organizations support implementation, and consider the roles of various stakeholders. Critically evaluate whether the recommendation and its suggested implementation strategies are sufficient or if alternative approaches should be considered.

Develop a scholarly, professionally written 2- to 3-page single-spaced policy brief applying the format outlined in the Lavis et al. article. The policy brief should include:

• An introduction with a clear statement of the problem
• The selected recommendation from the IOM report
• Background information on the issue
• Current characteristics and status
• The potential impact of the recommendation on consumers, nurses, other health professionals, and stakeholders
• Current solutions and efforts in the health policy arena
• Final conclusions
• References: At least 10 scholarly sources, formatted according to the exact style of the Lavis et al. article, with in-text citations numbered correspondingly and a reference list at the end

Ensure your paper is well-structured, concise, and academic, following professional standards for policy analysis. Include critical perspectives on the recommendation's feasibility and potential strategies for successful implementation.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolving landscape of healthcare demands proactive nursing participation in policy development to ensure that reforms are grounded in clinical realities and promote optimal health outcomes. The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) report titled The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health offers strategic recommendations crucial for transforming the nursing profession and, by extension, the entire healthcare system. This analysis focuses on Recommendation 1, which emphasizes expanding opportunities for nurses to lead and influence healthcare policy at local, state, and national levels. Understanding the background of this recommendation, current implementation efforts, and the roles of various stakeholders provides insight into its potential impact and the strategies needed for effective adoption.

Background of the Problem

The healthcare industry faces persistent challenges, including workforce shortages, disparities in access to care, and evolving patient needs. Historically, nurses have been underrepresented in policymaking processes despite their frontline expertise and direct patient contact. The traditional undervaluing of nursing input has hindered efforts to implement policies aligned closely with patient care realities. Moreover, bureaucratic barriers and limited leadership opportunities restrict nurses' capacity to influence health policy meaningfully. This gap has contributed to a lack of comprehensive, practical policies that leverage nurses’ insights, ultimately affecting the quality and efficiency of care delivered.

Current Characteristics and Efforts

In recent decades, initiatives such as the Magnet Recognition Program and advanced nursing education have begun to elevate nurses’ leadership roles. Organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) actively advocate for increased nurse involvement in policy and leadership (ANA, 2021). Specific efforts, including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Future of Nursing initiative, aim to empower nurses as leaders and policy advocates (RWJF, 2019). Policy forums, legislative advocacy, and participation in multi-professional coalitions have further propelled nurses' engagement in health policy discussions. Despite these measures, systemic barriers remain, and the representation of nurses in policymaking remains insufficient relative to their numbers and clinical expertise.

The Impact of the Recommendation

Implementing Recommendation 1 has the potential to transform healthcare delivery and nursing practice substantially. For consumers, increased nursing leadership can translate into care models that are patient-centered, equitable, and aligned with best practices. Nurses’ influence in policy can lead to reforms addressing social determinants of health, improving access, and reducing disparities (Bureau of Health Workforce, 2020). For nurses, expanding leadership opportunities fosters professional growth, job satisfaction, and retention by elevating their voice in systems that shape their practice environment. Other health professionals benefit from interprofessional collaboration that stems from nurse-led initiatives, promoting cohesive and integrated care delivery. Policymakers and stakeholders stand to gain through evidence-based, frontline-informed policies that enhance healthcare quality and system sustainability.

Current Solutions and Policy Arena

Efforts to elevate nursing influence have included legislative proposals such as the Nurse and Healthcare Worker Back to Work Act and programs promoting graduate education and leadership development. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) advocates for expanded practice authority, indirectly supporting leadership growth (NCSBN, 2020). Multiple professional organizations developed strategies for policy engagement, including leadership training and policy fellowship programs (American Organization for Nursing Leadership, 2021). However, the pace of change remains limited, and nursing representation in policymaking bodies often does not reflect the profession’s workforce size and expertise.

Final Conclusions

While significant progress has been made, the implementation of Recommendation 1 requires a coordinated and multifaceted approach. Strengthening leadership pipelines, expanding nurses’ roles in policy development, and fostering interprofessional collaboration are essential. The IOM’s recommendation rightly advocates for systemic change, but additional strategies—such as formalized policy training, incentivizing political participation, and integrating nursing leadership into health system governance—are crucial. Overcoming barriers such as scope-of-practice limitations and organizational culture shifts will be vital for sustained progress.

References

1. American Nurses Association. (2021). Leadership and advocacy in nursing. ANA Publishing.
2. Bureau of Health Workforce. (2020). Nurse workforce data and policy implications. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
3. Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.
4. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2020). Strategic initiatives for nursing leadership. NCSBN.
5. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (2019). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. RWJF.
6. American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2021). Policy engagement and leadership training programs. AONL Publications.
7. Jennings, C. (2002). The power of the policy brief. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 3(3), 261–263.
8. Lowery, B. (2009). Obesity, bariatric nursing, and the policy process: The connecting points for patient advocacy. Bariatric Nursing & Surgical Patient Care, 4(2), 133–138.
9. Lavis, J. N., Permanand, G., Oxman, A. D., Lewin, S., & Fretheim, A. (2009). Supporting evidence-informed health policymaking: Preparing and using policy briefs. Health Research Policy & Systems, 7(1), 13.
10. Neumann, P. J., Palmer, J. A., Daniels, N., Quigley, K., Gold, M. R., & Chao, S. (2008). A strategic plan for integrating cost-effectiveness analysis into the US health care system. American Journal of Managed Care, 14(4), 215–222.