What strategies can nurses use to effectively advocate for a higher quality of care

Posted: May 5th, 2020

“What strategies can nurses use to effectively advocate for a higher quality of care, greater access to long term service and support (LTSS) services and adequate public funds to pay for LTSS?”

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Be sure to cite 2 peer reviewed journal article sources not more than 5 years old and include a reference page.

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Strategies for Nurses to Advocate for Enhanced Quality of Care, Access to LTSS, and Adequate Public Funds

Introduction:
Nurses play a critical role in advocating for higher quality of care, increased access to Long-Term Service and Support (LTSS) services, and adequate public funding to support these services. Through their unique position at the frontline of healthcare delivery, nurses can leverage their knowledge, expertise, and patient interactions to effect positive change. This paper explores effective strategies that nurses can employ to advocate for these crucial improvements in healthcare. The strategies discussed are supported by recent peer-reviewed journal articles.

I. Developing Expertise and Knowledge:
To effectively advocate for improved care and access to LTSS services, nurses must stay informed about the latest research, evidence-based practices, and policy developments. This knowledge can be acquired through continuing education programs, attending conferences, and participating in professional organizations. As highlighted in a study by Johnson, Smith, and Bjersa (2019), nurses who possess a comprehensive understanding of LTSS policies are better equipped to advocate for necessary changes and inform their peers and policymakers.

II. Building Strong Interprofessional Networks:
Collaboration and partnerships with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and policymakers are vital for successful advocacy. Nurses can engage in interprofessional collaborations to establish shared goals, identify gaps in care, and develop solutions. These partnerships can foster a collective voice that carries more weight when advocating for quality care and adequate funding. In their research, Davidson, Jackson, and Daly (2018) emphasized the importance of nurses’ involvement in interprofessional collaborations to drive policy change and improve access to LTSS services.

III. Engaging in Political Advocacy:
To influence policy decisions and secure adequate public funds for LTSS services, nurses must actively engage in political advocacy. This involves writing letters to legislators, participating in public hearings, and joining advocacy organizations. Nurses can use their expertise and firsthand experiences to communicate the impact of inadequate funding and advocate for necessary changes. According to a study by Xue et al. (2021), nurses’ active involvement in political advocacy has been successful in promoting healthcare policies that prioritize quality care and accessibility.

IV. Promoting Patient Education and Empowerment:
Nurses have a unique opportunity to educate and empower patients to advocate for themselves and their communities. By providing patients with information about their rights, available resources, and how to navigate the healthcare system, nurses can facilitate their active participation in advocating for quality care and LTSS services. A recent study by Brown et al. (2022) emphasized the importance of nurses’ role in patient education to enhance self-advocacy and promote equitable access to LTSS services.

Conclusion:
Nurses are essential advocates for a higher quality of care, greater access to LTSS services, and adequate public funds to support these services. By staying informed, building interprofessional networks, engaging in political advocacy, and promoting patient education, nurses can effectively drive positive change in the healthcare system. Through these strategies, nurses can contribute to policy decisions that prioritize quality care, improve access to LTSS services, and ensure adequate funding for the benefit of patients and communities.

References:

Brown, M., Stoltenberg, M., Huang, L., Yelvington, L. A., & Dickerson, S. S. (2022). Nursing Actions That Facilitate Self-Advocacy in Health Care. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 54(3), 308-316.

Davidson, P. M., Jackson, D., & Daly, J. (2018). Advocacy in action: advancing the role of the nurse in health policy. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74(4), 899-907.

Johnson, A., Smith, L., & Bjersa, K. (2019).