DNP 825 Topic 5 Discussions GCU

DNP 825 Topic 5 Discussions GCU

DNP 825 Topic 5 DQ 1

Analyze the ANA’s definition of the nurse’s role in in ethics and human rights and the role of the DNP in eliminating health disparities.

DNP 825 Topic 5 DQ 2

Provide an evaluation of the current political climate related to health care and define how the DNP can positively impact through policy or advocacy.

Nurse Advocacy: Adopting a Health in All Policies Approach

Abstract

Policy advocacy and committed resources are essential to address social factors that shape population health. In this article, we discuss nurse advocacy to advance public health and health equity through targeted social determinants, particularly on behalf of poor and disadvantaged persons. We discuss components of the right social policies and consider evidence-based policies that have linked improvements in social and economic conditions with increased physical, emotional, and mental health outcomes among poor and disadvantaged social groups. With a partnership perspective, select social determinants of health (SDOH) and mitigating policies focus nurses’ social policy advocacy to improve the health of disadvantaged populations and reduce health inequities. We suggest nurses engage in multisectoral partnerships and adopt a Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach to address social and health needs of concern. The conclusion offers resources and strategies to promote nurse engagement in health policy.

Citation: Williams, S.D., Phillips, J.M., Koyama, K., (September 30, 2018) “Nurse Advocacy: Adopting a Health in All Policies Approach” OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing Vol. 23, No. 3, Manuscript 1.

Key Words: Nurse advocacy, social policy, public policy, vulnerable populations, social determinants of health, social disadvantage, economic disadvantage, social justice, health equity, social gradient, multisectoral partnerships, poverty, root cause, population health

Socially and economically disadvantaged populations… are the most affected by public policy and can therefore benefit the most from policies…Socially and economically disadvantaged populations, or colloquially the ‘have-nots’ in our society, are the most affected by public policy and can therefore benefit the most from policies that aim to improve social conditions that impact health (Farrer, Marinetti, Cavaco, & Costongs, 2015). The right public health policies and programs can interrupt the cycle of poverty, disadvantage, and poor health by addressing inadequate social and material resources – often called social determinants of health (SODH). SODH are necessary for better health and longer life. They form the root of the nexus between social injustice, inequalities, poor health, and shorter lives.

Why should nursing as a profession take primary responsibility to advocate for policies to improve social conditions that shape the well-being of poor and disadvantaged populations? Why should nurses concern themselves with conditions of poverty, inequalities, and social justice that reside primarily outside of the healthcare system? Simply, the very foundation of professional nursing is rooted in the fundamental concern for the social, emotional, and physical needs of the poor and disadvantaged in society (Neumann, 2010).

Socially and economically disadvantaged groups are less likely to be in good health, less likely to have access to quality healthcare services, and more likely to die prematurely when compared with socially and economically advantaged (National Center for Health Statistics, 2012; 2016; Singh, Siahpush, Azuine & Williams, 2015; Singh et al., 2017; Woolf et al., 2015). The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM; formerly the Institute of Medicine [IOM]) summarily describe this health disadvantage as ‘Shorter Lives, Poorer Health’ (IOM, 2013).

In almost every society on the globe, the educated, employed, the socially connected, or those who have increased access to material and social resources, experience better health and longer life.In the United States, those who live in poverty, the uninsured, the disabled, and people of color endure most of the health inequities burden (Singh et al., 2017; Woolf et al., 2015). In almost every society on the globe, the educated, employed, the socially connected, or those who have increased access to material and social resources, experience better health and longer life (Lowrey, 2014; Singh et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2015). Furthermore, this health advantage is patterned along a social and economic gradient whereby as one’s status on the social and economic hierarchy increases, health progressively improves (Lowrey, 2014; Singh et al., 2015; 2017; Woolf et al., 2015).

The right policies and appropriate interventions can interrupt the cycle of poverty, disadvantage, and poor health (Aron et al., 2015; Farrer, Marinetti, Cavaco, & Costongs, 2015; Semuels, 2014; 2016). The right policies are those policies that we, as a nation, make as investments to decrease poverty and to prevent precursors of premature disease and death. Evidence-based, effective policies can ensure healthier communities and address the lack of access to social and material resources that form the root of health inequities. Nurses can advocate for the right social policies to promote justice, fairness, and health equity and adequately address SDOH.

Evidence-based, effective policies can ensure healthier communities and address the lack of access to social and material resources that form the root of health inequities.In this article, we discuss nurse advocacy on behalf of SDOH and health equity, particularly on behalf of poor and disadvantaged persons. We discuss components of the right social policies and consider evidence-based policies that have linked improvements in social and economic conditions with increased physical, emotional, and mental health outcomes among poor and disadvantaged social groups.We also highlight select social determinants of health (SDOH) and mitigating policies focus nurses’ social policy advocacy to improve the health of disadvantage populations and reduce health inequities. The conclusion offers resources and strategies to promote nurse engagement in health policy.

Nurse Advocacy to Advance Public Health and Health Equity through Targeted Social Determinants

SAMPLE ANSWER

Nurse Advocacy: Adopting a Health in All Policies Approach

Nurses are on the frontlines of healthcare and play a vital role in patient advocacy. As the profession grows, so too does the opportunity to influence policies that promote health and wellbeing for all. A Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach is one way nurses can advocate for systemic change. HiAP recognizes that health is determined by many factors outside of the healthcare system, and that policy decisions in other sectors can have a significant impact on population health. In this blog post, we will explore what nurse advocacy looks like through a HiAP lens. We will also discuss how HiAP can be used to address social determinants of health and improve population health outcomes.

What is nurse advocacy?

Advocating for patients is one of the most important roles nurses play. By definition, advocacy is “the act or process of pleading or arguing in favor of something, such as a policy, position, or cause” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). When advocating for patients, nurses use their clinical knowledge and experience to speak up on behalf of those who may not be able to speak for themselves.

There are many different ways nurses can advocate for their patients. One way is by ensuring that each patient receives high-quality, individualized care. This includes things like making sure each patient has an adequate amount of time with their nurse, that all of their questions are answered, and that they understand their care plan. Another way nurses can advocate for their patients is by working to improve the overall healthcare system. This could involve working to increase access to care, improving communication between different providers, or pushing for policies that would improve patient safety.

No matter how they choose to advocate, the goal of every nurse should be to ensure that their patients receive the best possible care and have a voice in their own health journey.

The different types of nurse advocacy

There are many different types of nurse advocacy, but they can broadly be divided into two main categories: direct and indirect. Direct nurse advocacy involves nurses taking direct action to influence policy change, such as through writing letters to elected officials or testifying at hearings. Indirect nurse advocacy entails working to build support for health policy change among the general public or key stakeholders, such as through community outreach or media engagement.

Both direct and indirect nurse advocacy are important in advancing a health in all policies approach. By directly engaging with policymakers, nurses can ensure that the unique perspective of frontline clinicians is heard in debates over health care legislation. And by mobilizing public support for evidence-based policies, nurses can create an environment in which policymakers are more likely to act on behalf of the public good.

Pros and cons of nurse advocacy

When it comes to nurse advocacy, there are both pros and cons to adopting a health in all policies approach. On the one hand, this type of advocacy has the potential to improve population health by addressing social determinants of health. It can also help nurses to build relationships with other professionals and stakeholders who can influence policy change. However, there are also some potential drawbacks to this approach. For example, it can be time-consuming and may require nurses to take on additional responsibility outside of their traditional scope of practice.

What are the policies affecting nurse advocacy?

There are a variety of policies that can affect nurse advocacy, ranging from those at the local level to national-level initiatives. Some of the most important policy considerations for nurse advocates include access to care, scope of practice, and workforce development.

One key policy area that affects nurse advocacy is access to care. This includes both ensuring that patients have access to the care they need, as well as ensuring that nurses have the resources they need to provide high-quality care. Another key policy area is scope of practice. This includes ensuring that nurses are able to practice to the full extent of their education and training, and that they are not restricted by artificial boundaries such as scope of practice laws. Workforce development is also a critical policy consideration for nurse advocates. This includes ensuring that there are enough nurses to meet patient needs, as well as supporting initiatives that help nurses stay current in their knowledge and skills.

What are the barriers to nurse advocacy?

There are many barriers to nurse advocacy, but some of the most common include lack of time, resources, and knowledge. nurses are often too busy taking care of patients to dedicate the time necessary to advocate for policy change. They may also lack the resources and knowledge needed to effectively lobby for change. Additionally, many nurses may feel intimidated or unqualified to speak out on political issues.

How can nurses overcome these barriers?

It can be challenging for nurses to advocate for health in all policies because of competing demands at work, lack of knowledge about the policy process, and feeling like their voice will not be heard. But there are ways to overcome these barriers.

First, nurses can get involved in their local or state Nurses Association. This is a great way to learn about the policy process and make connections with other nurses who are interested in advocacy.

Second, nurses can educate themselves on the issues they care about and become familiar with the policymaking process. The more knowledgeable you are about an issue, the more credible you will be when advocating for change.

Finally, it is important for nurses to remember that they have a unique perspective and valuable expertise to offer policymakers. When speaking up, be confident in your voice and know that you are making a difference.