The Role of the RNAPRN in Policy Evaluation

While preparing for this discussion, I read an article by Barth, Guille, McCauley, and Brady (2017), which reviewed clinical guidelines, practitioner training, and government/payer policies that came forth in response to the national rise in prescription opioid overdoses. Most nurses in their daily provision of care have seen firsthand the increase in opioid overdose deaths. These same nurses have also seen the policy evaluation results that have led to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) and a drastic reduction in the prescription of opioids. Some RNs and APRNs possibly helped influence this change through policy evaluation. The institutions where we work have an opportunity for policy evaluation if we pay attention to the policies that affect the type of care we provide and the outcomes.

Another opportunity is within nursing organizations like the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN), which works with the American Pain Society to effect changes in pain management sometimes through the legislature. Nursing organizations that can take part in policymaking can also take part in policy evaluation. Being a member of Sigma Theta Tau, American Nurses Association, National League of Nurses, Association of Public Health Nurses, etc. is an opportunity for policy evaluation.

The preference of many nurses is to focus on the care and well-being of their patients because they do not feel comfortable stepping into policymaking or evaluation. However, if we genuinely want the patients’ well-being, we must influence the legislation that affects it. The opioid overdose death rate as mentioned earlier, is a good example. Another challenge that most nurses face is a lack of time. Nurses tend to have the same devotion for their family and friends as they have for their patients, making time availability a challenge. Nurses are also continually trying to improve upon themselves through education. These commitments allow very little or no time for anything else. Nurses need the will, the time, the energy, and the political skills to “play the game” in the legislative arena (Public Health Policy Simulation, 2019).

The same methods nurses use for policymaking can be used for policy evaluation. The main difference is carefully studying the results of the already enacted policies alongside evidence-based practice and outcomes before making evaluation proposals. Nurses can conduct quality improvement projects at their job and use the results alongside evidence-based practice research to advocate for positive changes. Nurses can write to their political representatives to advise them on the policy changes that they deem necessary. In an open letter to physicians, a Minnesota legislator in 2017 sought support in the fight against opioid addiction. He ended the letter with these words “P.S. I am always listening for better ways to address the opioid epidemic. I would love to hear from you directly about how we can combat this crisis.” This tells me that legislators want to hear proposals and evaluations from healthcare providers, and we should make use of such opportunities.

References

Barth, K. S., Guille, C., McCauley, J., & Brady, K. T. (2017). Targeting practitioners: A review of guidelines, training, and policy in pain management. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 173(Supplement 1), S22–S30. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1016/j.d…

Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

One lawmaker’s plea: In an open letter to physicians, a Minnesota legislator seeks support in the fight against opioid addiction. (2017). Minnesota Medicine, 100(5), 17.

(2019). Public Health Policy Simulation. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(3), 178–181. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.3928/014…

RE: Discussion – Week 9

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