Evaluating The Health Policy Essay Assignment

Registered nurses and APRNs have a unique role in “serving the public’s interest” through evaluating health policies and programs (Walden University, 2018). Evaluating the health policy or program gains understanding of the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposal (Walden University, 2018). RNs and APRNs have opportunities through informal and formal evaluations to participate in policy review. Opportunities can present challenges however with certain strategies these challenges can be overcome. Evaluating The Health Policy Essay Assignment

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Informal evaluation is an opportunity for RNs/ APRNs to review the effectiveness of a policy or programs. Informally evaluating a policy/program occurs through “water cooler discussion” (Milstead & Short, 2019). Sharing work experiences with colleagues the impact of implementing health policy/ program is one way RNs can evaluate effectiveness (Milstead & Short, 2019). Word of mouth is one of the fastest ways to spread information regarding thoughts and feelings of a newly proposed policy. There are some challenges associated with informal evaluation such as gossip presenting with inaccurate accounts of actual results (Milstead & Short, 2019). Word of mouth can have more emotional responses than evidence based facts which impedes the process and potential to improve policy’s effectiveness (Milstead & Short, 2019). Overcoming this challenge can occur through networking with health care professionals and colleagues to gain political context, attitudes toward social problems and provide evidence base data to make improvements. For example, a new state wide policy proposal requires RNs to check patient vital signs every 4 hours during the night shift. Medical staff may complain of unnecessary added work and declare that patients need uninterrupted sleep for healing. However, sharing positive patient outcomes from evidence base research during a staff meeting can overcome the challenge associated with water cooler discussions. No longer will RNs complain of added work but understand through relevant data that checking vitals improves patient outcomes. Evaluating The Health Policy Essay Assignment

RNs have a role in formal evaluation as well. According to Milstead & Short (2019), formal evaluation uses “standardized strategic processes” so that stakeholders are involved in planning and implementing policy or program. Formal evaluation determines the effectiveness of the policy/program (Milstead & Short, 2019). Some challenges associated with formal evaluation is not having a skilled or knowledgeable person to relay data accurately (Milstead & Short, 2019). The public’s suspicion of data results can also contribute to challenges (Milstead & Short, 2019). One way to overcome challenges can be the use of social media to increase public’s trust of the benefits and positive health outcomes through policy/program implementation. Membership with national nursing organizations can help overcome challenges because they have a skilled “champion” through political action committee to inform legislators of reliable and accurate data (American Nurses Association, 2018)Evaluating The Health Policy Essay Assignment.

Two strategies to better advocate for informal and formal evaluation is through excellent communication and following guidelines issued by the CDC. For example, communicating with multidisciplinary team patient quality, cost and effectiveness of a newly implemented health policy or program gains broad perspective on how to form achievable outcomes and potential changes needed to make policy more effective and efficient. RNs can create a report with accurate data and notify state representative through email or writing a letter. The purpose of the CDC framework or guidelines are to examine program, gain an understanding of achieved goals and objectives and assist human services to help social issues (Milstead & Short, 2019). For example, adhering to CDC framework will give insight to specific problems with the policy or health program and reveal unintended effects (Milstead & Short, 2019)Evaluating The Health Policy Essay Assignment.

Aligning health program/policy process with ethical principles is one way RNs can eliminate ethical conflicts to ensure ethical boundaries are not crossed (Milstead & Short, 2019). According to Milstead & Short (2019), ethical conflicts can be avoided through “clear delineation of roles related to program/policy evaluation.” For example, excellent communication is one way to eliminate ethical issues. RNs using non bias terminology and culturally appropriate words to relay data to patients, families and interdisciplinary team will reduce ethical conflict (Milstead & Short, 2019)Evaluating The Health Policy Essay Assignment.

In conclusion, RNs/APRNs can care for patients through evaluating proposed health policies and programs. Participating in informal and formal evaluation strategies are some ways for RNs to participate in reviewing policies to advocate for the patients best interest. Membership with national nurse organizations and using culturally competent communication skills can create effective policies. Discussing the impact of health policy/program with multidisciplinary team and participating in work committees are ways to participate in reviewing policies. RNs promote social change through their expertise by being part of the policy process as they evaluate the effectiveness of implementing health policies and programs.

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References

American Nurses Association. (2018). Political action committee. https://ana.aristotle.com/SitePages/pac.aspx

Milstead, J. & Short, N. (2019). Health policy and politics a nurses guide (6th ed.). World Headquarters

Walden University. (2018). The importance of program evaluation [Video file]. www.waldenuniversity.edu Evaluating The Health Policy Essay Assignment