NURS 6050 Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation

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NURS 6050 Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Sample Paper

Nurses can play a significant role in evaluating policies to enhance the organization’s performance as well as their careers. They can participate in policy evaluation by being part of professional organizations, which most assume the role of collection and dissemination of various forms of policy data (Derouin, 2019).

As part of professional organizations, nurses contribute to a policy review by gathering knowledge and other forms of useful information that can be used to evaluate policy outcomes (Gazarian et al, 2020). Professional organizations present a great opportunity to learn from others and get their opinion on policy issues.

Nurses can also participate in policy reviews by using scientific data and evidence-based research to inform health policy reviews. Policy review processes involve the collection of credible and reliable information and reflecting on how such information can be used to improve existing policies (Waddell, 2019). By supplying policymakers with concrete data and evidence-based research, policymakers can make policy decisions that are based on facts. 

However, nurses may encounter various challenges as they participate in the policy review process. For instance, when they join professional bodies, they must be able to deal with other people’s opinions even if they do not agree. Whereas professional organizations help in building teams and networks, it might be difficult to develop a strong team if the team members’ ideas and opinions do not match.

Nonetheless, the teams and networks can play a significant role in facilitating policy evaluation. For instance, nurses can leverage social media networks to communicate and gain feedback on health policies. The social networks also present an opportunity for the nurses to educate the public on the policies as well as how they affect public health delivery.  

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NURS 6050 Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation References

Derouin, A. (2019). Health policy and social program evaluation. In J. A. Milstead, & N. M. Short (Eds.), Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed., pp 115-131). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Gazarian, P., Ballout, S., Heelan-Fancher, L., & Sundean, L. J. (2020). Theories, models, and frameworks used in nursing health policy dissertations: A scoping review. Applied nursing research: ANR, 151234. Advance Online Publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2020.151234

Waddell, A. (2019). Nursing organizations’ health policy content on Facebook and Twitter preceding the 2016 United States presidential election. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(1), 119–128. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.13826

NURS 6050 Discussion: The Role of the RN/APRN in Policy Evaluation Instructions

In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making. A critical component of any policy design is the evaluation of the results. How comfortable are you with the thought of becoming involved with such matters?

Some nurses may be hesitant to get involved with policy evaluation. The preference may be to focus on the care and well-being of their patients; some nurses may feel ill-equipped to enter the realm of policy and political activities. However, as you have examined previously, who better to advocate for patients and effective programs and policies than nurses? Already patient advocates in interactions with doctors and leadership, why not with government and regulatory agencies?

In this Discussion, you will reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

To Prepare:

  • In the Module 4 Discussion, you considered how professional nurses can become involved in policy-making.
  • Review the Resources and reflect on the role of professional nurses in policy evaluation.

By Day 3 of Week 9

Post an explanation of at least two opportunities that currently exist for RNs and APRNs to actively participate in policy review. Explain some of the challenges that these opportunities may present and describe how you might overcome these challenges. Finally, recommend two strategies you might make to better advocate for or communicate the existence of these opportunities. Be specific and provide examples.

By Day 6 of Week 9Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by suggesting additional opportunities or recommendations for overcoming the challenges described by your colleagues.

ASSESSING A HEALTHCARE PROGRAM/POLICY EVALUATION

Program/policy evaluation is a valuable tool that can help strengthen the quality of programs/policies and improve outcomes for the populations they serve. Program/policy evaluation answers basic questions about program/policy effectiveness. It involves collecting and analyzing information about program/policy activities, characteristics, and outcomes. This information can be used to ultimately improve program services or policy initiatives.

Nurses can play a very important role in assessing program/policy evaluation for the same reasons that they can be so important to program/policy design. Nurses bring expertise and patient advocacy that can add significant insight and impact. In this Assignment, you will practice applying this expertise and insight by selecting an existing healthcare program or policy evaluation and reflecting on the criteria used to measure the effectiveness of the program/policy.

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To Prepare:

  • Review the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template provided in the Resources.
  • 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.

The Assignment: (2–3 pages)

Based on the program or policy evaluation you selected, complete the Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Analysis Template. Be sure to address the following:

  • Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes. 
  • How was the success of the program or policy measured?
  • How many people were reached by the program or policy selected?
  • How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?
  • At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?
  • What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?
  • What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?
  • What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy?
  • Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation?
  • Be specific and provide examples.
  • Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?
  • Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?
  • Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after 1 year of implementation.

Assessing a Healthcare Program/Policy Evaluation Example

Policies and programs in nursing help improve outcomes and can be directed towards nurses or patient populations. They help direct efforts and resources toward achieving desired goals in care facilities and educational institutions. Black et al. (2019) note that program/policy evaluation helps determine their effectiveness and thus plans for improvement to eliminate resource wastage and promote better outcomes. Nurses are vital professionals in policy/program evaluation. They contribute important information and conduct activities for effective course evaluation. This essay evaluates the evaluation of a policy/program and the nurses’ roles in program/policy evaluation.

Describe the healthcare program or policy outcomes.

The article at hand discusses the evaluation of the Feasible and Sustainable Culture Change Initiative (FASCCI). The healthcare program was focused on improving person-centered mealtime practices in a long-term care home.

How was the success of the program or policy measured?

A single-group time series design was used in this article. The differences in these scores were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. There were 21 participants in this study. Observations were also conducted to determine treatment fidelity and the participants’ process perception and outcomes of the FASCCI. Both qualitative and quantitative interviews were conducted.

How many people were reached by the program or policy selected?

The program was implemented in a West Canadian Designated Supportive Living Services with 152 residents. The program was implemented in the ensure organization but for evaluation purposes,

How much of an impact was realized with the program or policy selected?

The program selected led to an improvement in the “physical environment, social environment, relationship-centered care, and the overall quality of dining environment” (Caspar et al., 2020)

At what point in program implementation was the program or policy evaluation conducted?

The program’s success was assessed using a questionnaire with mealtime environment scales and observation pre-implementation at the baseline, two, four, and six months.        

What data was used to conduct the program or policy evaluation?

The data used to conduct the program was analyzed from questionnaires presented to the patients and observation by the researchers.

What specific information on unintended consequences was identified?

Further analysis of the study results showed that the model demonstrates the value of supportive team environments for improving dementia patients’ care.

What stakeholders were identified in the evaluation of the program or policy? Who would benefit most from the results and reporting of the program or policy evaluation? Be specific and provide examples.

The stakeholders identified in this study were the administrator, staff members, recreation staff, the program manager, two dietary staff, six licensed practice nurses (LPNs), nine healthcare assistants (HCAs) and the research and innovative practice manager. The beneficiaries of the program evaluation are the patients. The program evaluation results are positive, which will lead to support for the program, hence better patient care and subsequent outcomes. For example, mealtime practices affect patient satisfaction, and the further implementation of the program will enhance care outcomes in the facility.

Did the program or policy meet the original intent and objectives? Why or why not?

The program met its intended outcomes because the study results showed that the FASCCI model led to a positive change in long-term care by “improving the physical and social environment, relationship-centered care, and the overall dining environment, the overall quality of dining environment, improved leadership, enhanced communication, improved decision-making.”

Would you recommend implementing this program or policy in your place of work? Why or why not?

The program was specific to long-term care facilities, but I work in a hospital, and it would thus not be easy to implement at my place of work. However, I would recommend using the program to improve care delivery for patients with underlying mental health issues and promote quality outcomes.

Identify at least two ways that you, as a nurse advocate, could become involved in evaluating a program or policy after one year of implementation.

As a nurse advocate, I would participate in program or policy evaluation by collecting and analyzing data. Nurses are vital professionals close to patients whose roles, such as patient data collection, can override program evaluation activities. As a nurse advocate, I would also help prepare evaluation tools to ensure the evaluation is robust and addresses all vital aspects of the course (Adams & Neville, 2020). Planning for evaluation is an integral aspect of project evaluation and dictates the efficacy of the evaluation process. As a nurse advocate, I would also participate in developing policies that support policy evaluation practices by availing resources required for evaluation processes.

Conclusion

The researchers in the article of interest evaluated the effectiveness of a staff engagement program implemented in a long-term care facility to improve mealtime practices. The program demonstrated effectiveness in the physical environment, social environment, relationship-centered care, the overall quality of the dining environment, improved leadership, enhanced communication, and improved decision-making. The study results also showed that supportive team environments can improve dementia patients’ care. The evaluation results will be significant to the patients because they will help improve care delivery interventions. Nurses should play advocacy roles in program evaluation and improve care outcomes 

References

Adams, J., & Neville, S. (2020). Program evaluation for health professionals: What it is, what it is not and how to do it. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19, 1609406920964345. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406920964345

Black, A. T., Ali, S., Baumbusch, J., McNamee, K., & Mackay, M. (2019). Practice‐based nursing research: Evaluation of clinical and professional impacts from a research training programme. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(13-14), 2681–2687. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14861

Caspar, S., Berg, K., Slaughter, S., Keller, H., & Kellett, P. (2020). Staff engagement for practice change in long-term care: Evaluating the feasible and sustainable culture change initiative (FASCCI) model. Journal of Long-Term Care, (2020), 30–41.