TITLE – Critical Analysis of National Government Policy and How it Impacts Contemporary Healthcare and Examination of the enablers and barriers that Impact Registered Nurses to influencing health policies.
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Table of Contents
I. Introduction
National government policy in healthcare is important in shaping contemporary healthcare systems. It impacts various healthcare aspects, including financing in healthcare, the workforce, the infrastructure, and the delivery of service (Whitsel, 2023).
Out of many, one of the significant ways in which government policy impacts healthcare is through healthcare financing. Government policies directly influence the allocation of resources for healthcare services, which includes funding for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare-related facilities. The government also provides funding for research and development of new healthcare technologies.
Lastly, the policy of government majorly impacts healthcare service delivery. Policies regulate the quality and safety of healthcare services, set patient privacy and confidentiality standards, and provide guidelines for managing healthcare data. Policies may also promote the integration of healthcare services, such as the coordination of care between primary care providers and specialists or the integration of mental health and physical health services.
II. National Government Policy and Contemporary Healthcare
Government policies undoubtedly have a significant impact on contemporary healthcare systems. One of the primary ways in which government policy affects healthcare is through healthcare financing. By influencing the government’s policies and allocating resources for healthcare services, such as funding for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities, the government may also fund research and development of new healthcare technologies and therapies. Moreover, government policies determine the structure and financing of healthcare insurance programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, which impact the availability and affordability of healthcare services for millions of people in the United States.
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Among the most significant national government policies in healthcare, the Affordable Care Act (ACA)is on top. It is also well-known as Obamacare. The ACA was passed in 2010 with a vision to expand access to healthcare and reduce the number of uninsured Americans. The ACA introduced several key provisions, including the individual mandate, which requires individuals to have health insurance or pay the penalty, and the creation of health insurance exchanges that allow individuals to compare and purchase insurance plans (Fang, 2022).
The ACA also introduced various other measures to address healthcare disparities, like expanding the eligibility of Medicaid to individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, eliminating any other pre-existing condition exclusions, and providing essential health benefits. These measures aimed to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for low-income and marginalized populations. The impact of the ACA on healthcare and its policies has been significant, such as the number of uninsured Americans decreased by over 20 million between 2010 and 2016, and the uninsured rate reached a historic low of 8.6% in 2016. Moreover, the ACA has also faced legal challenges, in which opponents argued that the individual mandate is unconstitutional (Decker, et al., 2022).
Medicare Program
The other crucial national government policy in healthcare is the Medicare program. It is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage to individuals over the age of 65, those individuals having any specific disabilities, and individuals with end-stage renal disease. Various payroll taxes, premiums, and general revenue fund Medicare. Medicare has impacted the healthcare system in the United States as well. Particularly for older adults. Medicare covers many healthcare services, which include hospitalizations, physician visits, and prescription drugs. Medicare has also been supportive of advancing healthcare delivery models. This includes implementing accountable care organizations and adopting new telehealth technologies. There have been concerns about the quality of care provided under Medicare, particularly in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities (Spruill, 2022).
III. Enablers for Registered Nurses in Influencing Health Policies
One paramount barrier to RNs’ ability to influence health policies is the lack of knowledge and training in health policy and advocacy. It is a less-known fact, but many RNs receive minimal education in health policy during their nursing training programs. This limits their understanding of the intricacies of how policies are developed and implemented. This lack of education also limits RNs’ ability to communicate effectively with policymakers and advocate for policies that align with the needs of patients and healthcare providers.
To address this barrier, nursing programs must include health policy and advocacy education as a primary component of the curriculum. This education also must cover the basics of health policy development and implementation, as well as strategies and techniques of advocacy. Moreover, continuing any education opportunities should also be available to RNs’ whole careers to ensure they remain up-to-date on policy developments and advocacy best practices. Another barrier to RNs’ ability to influence health policies is the lack of representation in policymaking bodies. Policymaking bodies, such as government agencies and advisory committees, often lack representation of RN. This limits the perspective and expertise that RNs bring to policy discussions. This lack of representation also leads to policies that do not adequately address the needs of patients and healthcare providers.
To cope with this barrier, RNs should actively search for opportunities to participate with policymaking bodies and increase engagement with policymakers. RNs can also advocate for increased RN representation in policymaking bodies and encourage all policymakers to seek out the perspective and expertise of RNs when developing policies (Sulosaari, 2023).
Moreover, RNs may leverage their professional organizations to increase their representation in policymaking bodies. Professional organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, have the resources and expertise to advocate for RNs’ inclusion in policymaking bodies and can provide training and support for RNs who wish to engage in advocacy efforts. Several enablers support the ability of RNs to influence health policies effectively. One such enabler is the availability of data and research that supports developing and implementing evidence-based policies. RNs should play a crucial role in conducting and disseminating research that supports policy development, like studies on the effectiveness of healthcare interventions and the impact of policies on patient outcomes.
To leverage this enabler, RNs must seek out opportunities to engage in research and disseminate their findings through publications and presentations. RNs should also advocate for increased funding for healthcare research and support policies that prioritize using all evidence-based practices. Another enabler is the availability of professional networks and collaborations that support RNs’ advocacy efforts. RNs can benefit from engaging with other healthcare providers, professional organizations, and community groups to build networks and collaborations supporting their advocacy efforts.
To leverage this enabler, RNs should seek opportunities to engage with other healthcare providers and organizations, such as joining local healthcare coalitions and collaborating with community-based organizations. RNs can also leverage their professional organizations to build networks and collaborations with other RNs and healthcare providers (Marko, 2022).
IV. Barriers for Registered Nurses in Influencing Health Policies
This section analyses and examines the enablers that impact the ability of registered nurses (RNs) to influence health policies. RNs face several barriers when engaging in policy discussions, but several enablers can support their advocacy efforts. These enablers include education and training, professional organizations, policy development processes, collaboration and partnership, and legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Education and Training
Registered Nurses who receive education and training on health policy and advocacy strategies are better equipped to engage in discussions of the policies and also advocate for policy change. Education and training provide RNs with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate policy development processes and engage with policymakers and other stakeholders. Moreover, education and training can increase RNs’ confidence in advocating for any change of policy (Thapa, 2022).
Professional organizations
Professional organizations can provide RNs with training in their advocacy, support, and opportunities to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders. Professional organizations can also serve as a collective voice for RNs, amplifying their advocacy efforts and ensuring that decision-makers must hear their perspectives. Furthermore, professional organizations provide the necessary resources and infrastructure to support the efforts of RN advocacy, like tools for policy analysis and communication with policymakers.
Process of Policy Development.
Registered nurses can better engage in policy discussions and advocate for policy change when the development processes of policy are transparent and inclusive of RNs and other stakeholders. RNs with access to policy development processes and those who understand the language and concepts involved have the maximum probability of influencing policy outcomes more effectively. Moreover, when policies are developed with input from RNs, they are more likely to align with the needs of patients and healthcare providers (Reebals, 2022).
Partnership and Collaboration.
Those registered nurses who collaborate with other stakeholders, like patients, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations, build better support for the change of policy initiatives. Collaboration and partnership also lead to more comprehensive policy solutions that address multiple perspectives and needs. Furthermore, collaboration and partnership can increase the visibility and impact of RNs’ advocacy efforts.
Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks.
When legislative and regulatory frameworks prioritize inputs of RN and engagement in policy development processes, registered nurses better advocate for policy change. Legislative and regulatory frameworks also provide necessary resources and infrastructure to support efforts of advocacy of registered nurses like funding for research and collection of data or requirements for engagement of stakeholders in the development of policy.).
Registered Nurses can enhance these enablers to increase their impact on health policy discussions and advocate for policies that improve patient outcomes and support the nursing profession. By focusing on areas and factors like education and training, engaging with professional organizations, collaborating with other stakeholders, and advocating for legislative and regulatory frameworks that support RN input and engagement, Registered nurses can ensure that their perspectives are heard and that these developed policies align with the needs of patients and healthcare providers (Hamed, 2022).
V. Critical Analysis of the Impact of Government Policy on Registered Nurses
This section of our analysis examines the barriers that impact registered nurses (RNs) in influencing health policies. While several enablers can support the ability of RNs to influence health policies, various barriers can hinder their advocacy efforts. These barriers include limited education and training, organizational culture and structure, policy development processes, power imbalances, and competing priorities. We will widely discuss these factors one by one (Goudreau, 2022).
Limited Education and Training.
The first barrier impacting the ability of registered nurses to influence health policies is limited education and training. Most Registered nurses may not have the knowledge or skills necessary to engage in policy discussions and advocate for policy change. While many RNs receive some education and training on health policy as part of their nursing programs, this education is often limited and does not adequately prepare RNs to engage in any new policy discussions. Moreover, ongoing education and training opportunities may be limited, making it difficult for RNs to stay current on policy issues and strong advocacy strategies (Achou et al., 2022).
Organisational Culture and Structure
The second barrier is organizational culture and structure. Healthcare organizations may have cultures and structures that do not prioritize the advocacy efforts of RNs’. They face resistance from leadership or colleagues who do not value their policy perspectives or see advocacy outside the scope of nursing practice. Moreover, RNs may not have access to decision-making processes or be excluded from policy development discussions, limiting their ability to influence policy outcomes.
Policy Development Processes
The third barrier is policy development processes. The processes by which policies are developed can be complex and opaque, making it difficult for RNs to engage in policy discussions and advocate for change. RNs cannot access policy development processes or understand the language or concepts involved. Furthermore, policies may be developed in silos, with little input from RNs or other stakeholders, making it challenging to ensure that policies align with the needs of patients and healthcare providers.
Imbalances of Power
The fourth barrier is imbalances of power. RNs may face power imbalances while engaging in policy discussions, particularly when advocating for change against more powerful stakeholders, like hospital administrators or government officials. RNs may not have the same level of access or influence as these stakeholders, making it difficult for them to advocate for policy change effectively. Moreover, power imbalances create a culture of fear or silence, where RNs feel that advocating for policy change may result in negative consequences, such as retaliation or loss of employment (Bell, 2022).
Competing Priorities
The fifth and final barrier is competing priorities. RNs may have multiple responsibilities and priorities, such as patient care, administrative tasks, and professional development, making it difficult to dedicate time and energy to advocacy efforts. Additionally, RNs may not see advocacy as a core part of their role or feel they have the expertise or resources to engage in advocacy efforts.
To coup with these barriers, RNs need support from healthcare organizations, professional organizations, and policymakers. Healthcare organizations can prioritize education and training opportunities for RNs and create cultures and structures that value RNs’ advocacy efforts. Moreover, healthcare organizations can contribute to policy development processes that are transparent and inclusive of RNs and other stakeholders. Professional organizations may provide advocacy training, support, and opportunities to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders. Also, policymakers can prioritize inputs of RN and engagement in policy development processes and provide resources and infrastructure to support RN advocacy efforts (McKnight, 2022).
VI. Critical Examination of Enablers and Barriers
This section analyses and focuses on the barriers RNs face while attempting to influence health policies. These barriers include a lack of access to policy development processes, competing priorities and time constraints, limited resources and funding, and the political nature of policy development. Now, let us elaborate on each one of these factors.
Lack of access to policy development processes.
Registered nurses who are not included in policy development processes are considered ineligible to provide input or influence policy outcomes. This may be due to a lack of awareness of policy development processes or resources to engage in policy discussions. Moreover, policies may be developed in closed-door meetings that exclude RNs and other stakeholders, limiting their ability to advocate for policy change (Jeffries, 2022)
Competing priorities and time constraints.
Registered nurses often have larger responsibilities and competing priorities, making engaging in policy discussions challenging. For instance, RNs must prioritize patient care and administrative responsibilities over advocacy efforts. Moreover, efforts of advocacy can be time-consuming and require significant resources, including time away from work, travel, and expenses related to attending policy meetings or conferences.
Limited resources and funding.
Registered nurses may lack in the resources and funding necessary to engage in policy discussions and advocate for policy change. For example, RNs lack access to research and data that can support their advocacy efforts. Moreover, RNs may not have the financial resources necessary to attend policy meetings or conferences or to conduct research and analysis to inform their advocacy efforts (Moran, 2023).
Political nature of policy development.
One of the essential factors is health policy development can be influenced by political factors, which include partisan politics, special interest groups, and lobbying efforts. RNs may struggle to navigate these political factors, and they may face opposition to their advocacy efforts. Moreover, RNs may not have the same level of political influence or resources as other stakeholders have like large healthcare organizations or industry groups.
Effective Strategies.
To avoid these barriers, RNs can implement several strategies to increase their impact in policy discussions. One of their effective strategies is to collaborate with other stakeholders, including patients, families, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Collaboration can increase the visibility and impact of RNs’ advocacy efforts, and can also lead to more comprehensive policy solutions that address multiple perspectives and needs.
Another strategy is to enhance professional organizations and advocacy groups to amplify the voices of RNs and advocacy efforts. Professional organizations can provide RNs with resources, training, and necessary support to engage in different policy discussions and advocate for policy change. Furthermore, these advocacy groups can provide a platform for RNs to share their experiences and perspectives with policymakers and other stakeholders (
Nunnery, 2022).
The third strategy is to prioritize education and training on health policy and advocacy strategies. By increasing the knowledge and skills of the registered nurses related to policy development and advocacy, RNs can more effectively engage in various policy discussions and advocate for a required policy change.
The fourth strategy is to engage in ground-level advocacy efforts, that include contacting elected officials, participating in public comment periods, and organizing rallies and other public events. These efforts can help RNs to raise awareness of policy issues and build support for policy change initiatives. Hence we can see that, while RNs face several barriers while engaging in policy discussions, several strategies and enablers can support their advocacy efforts.
VII. Conclusion.
One way by which registered nurses can support the implementation of national government policies is by providing education and support to patients and families. Regarding this, Registered nurses can educate patients and families on the importance of adhering to recommended treatments, and they can also provide necessary support and required resources to help patients and their families navigate the overall healthcare system with ease (Min, 2022).
Another way registered nurses can support the implementation of national government policies is by providing input on policy development and implementation processes. They can share their perspectives with policymakers and other stakeholders to leverage the development and implementation of healthcare policies. RNs may also provide valuable feedback on the effectiveness of policies and advocate for modifications or changes to policies that are not meeting their intended goals.
To implement national government policies in healthcare effectively, nurses must have the necessary resources and support to carry out their responsibilities. This includes access to education and training on the development of policy and their implementation, as well as resources and support to provide education and support to patients and their families. Moreover, RNs must have access to necessary equipment and supplies to carry out important requirements of the policy, such as personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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