Review The Resources And Reflect On The Role Of Professional

Review The Resources And Reflect On The Role Of Professional Nurses In

Review the resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation. Select an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation or choose one of interest to you. Review community, state, or federal policy evaluation and reflect on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program or policy described. Post an evaluation topic and a brief description of the evaluation. Discuss how social determinants impact this issue.

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chapter 7, “Health Policy and Social Program Evaluation” (pp. 116–124).

Glasgow, R. E., Lichtenstein, E., & Marcus, A. C. (2003). Why don’t we see more translation of health promotion research to practice? Rethinking the efficacy-to-effectiveness transition. American Journal of Public Health, 93(8), 1261–1267.

Shiramizu, B., Shambaugh, V., Petrovich, H., Seto, T. B., Ho, T., Mokuau, N., & Hedges, J. R. (2016). Leading by success: Impact of a clinical and translational research infrastructure program to address health inequities. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 4(5), 983–991.

Williams, J. K., & Anderson, C. M. (2018). Omics research ethics considerations. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 386–393.

Paper For Above instruction

Healthcare policy evaluation is a pivotal element in the continuous improvement of health systems, ensuring that programs meet their intended goals and effectively address community needs. As professional nurses play an integral role in health policy development and implementation, their involvement in evaluating health programs is vital. This responsibility encompasses examining the effectiveness of healthcare initiatives, understanding social determinants' impacts, and advocating for policies that promote health equity. This paper explores the role of nurses in policy evaluation by selecting a specific health policy, analyzing its evaluation criteria, and discussing how social determinants influence its outcomes.

For this discussion, I have chosen the community-based diabetes management program implemented in my local area. This program aims to improve glycemic control among underserved populations through targeted interventions, including education, lifestyle modifications, and accessible healthcare services. The evaluation of this program involves measuring clinical outcomes such as HbA1c levels, patient adherence, and hospitalization rates, alongside process indicators like patient engagement and service accessibility. These criteria help assess whether the program effectively reduces diabetes-related morbidity and enhances patient quality of life.

In evaluating this program, social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, access to transportation, social support, and cultural beliefs are critically examined. For example, individuals with low income may face barriers to medication adherence or attending follow-up appointments, impacting health outcomes. Language barriers and limited health literacy can hinder understanding of diabetes management instructions, further exacerbating disparities. Recognizing these factors allows nurses to tailor interventions that address specific social needs, thereby improving the program's effectiveness and equity.

Registered nurses contribute significantly to policy evaluation through various roles. They collect and analyze patient data, provide insights into practical barriers faced by clients, and facilitate community engagement to gather feedback. Moreover, nurses advocate for the integration of social determinants into policy frameworks, emphasizing the necessity of holistic approaches to healthcare. Their frontline experience empowers them to identify gaps that raw data alone might overlook, ensuring policies are responsive and patient-centered.

The importance of social determinants in health policy evaluation aligns with Glasgow et al.'s (2003) assertion that translating research into practice necessitates understanding contextual factors influencing health behaviors. As well, Shiramizu et al. (2016) highlight that addressing health inequities requires infrastructure programs that consider social and environmental contexts. Nurses, situated at the intersection of healthcare delivery and community engagement, are uniquely positioned to advocate for and implement evaluations that incorporate social determinants.

Furthermore, ethical considerations in omics research outlined by Williams and Anderson (2018) underscore the need for culturally sensitive approaches in program evaluation. Respecting diverse backgrounds and ensuring equitable participation in health programs are fundamental. Nurses’ cultural competence and ethical sensitivity ensure that evaluations are conducted ethically, and findings are used to promote fairness and inclusiveness.

In conclusion, nurses play an indispensable role in policy evaluation, particularly in assessing the effectiveness of healthcare programs and understanding the influence of social determinants. Their insights foster comprehensive evaluations that transcend mere clinical metrics, accounting for social and environmental factors impacting health outcomes. By incorporating social determinants into evaluation criteria and advocating for holistic interventions, nurses contribute to the development of equitable health policies that aim to reduce disparities and improve outcomes for all populations.

References

• Glasgow, R. E., Lichtenstein, E., & Marcus, A. C. (2003). Why don’t we see more translation of health promotion research to practice? Rethinking the efficacy-to-effectiveness transition. American Journal of Public Health, 93(8), 1261–1267.
• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Shiramizu, B., Shambaugh, V., Petrovich, H., Seto, T. B., Ho, T., Mokuau, N., & Hedges, J. R. (2016). Leading by success: Impact of a clinical and translational research infrastructure program to address health inequities. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 4(5), 983–991.
• Williams, J. K., & Anderson, C. M. (2018). Omics research ethics considerations. Nursing Outlook, 66(4), 386–393.
• Authoritative sources on social determinants of health and evaluation methodologies, such as the World Health Organization (2019) and CDC reports (2020), provide foundational insights for comprehensive policy analysis.
• Brown, A., & Smith, L. (2021). Community health assessment practices: Incorporating social determinants. Public Health Nursing, 38(2), 123–130.
• Wilkinson, R., & Marmot, M. (Eds.). (2003). Social Determinants of Health: The Solid Facts. World Health Organization.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Social determinants of health: Addressing health disparities. https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm
• World Health Organization. (2019). Living conditions and health equity. https://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
• Braveman, P., & Gottlieb, L. (2014). The social determinants of health: It's time to consider the causes of the causes. Public Health Reports, 129(Suppl 2), 19–31.