The ISBAR communication method and the nursing process may be incorporated in conference calls, meetings, email correspondence, document editing, and determination of next steps. Nurses are also adept in applying the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation to make policy decisions and to educate legislators. This concise transfer of information allows the respondent to accurately provide feedback for assessment and recommendations for the situation. ISBAR, which stands for identify, situation, background, assessment, and recommendation, is used in patient handoff to provide essential information in a succinct, easy-to-remember sequence. Nurses are excellent communicators and ideal correspondents with legislators because of communication skills developed in using the ISBAR method and nursing process. Anticipating moves, addressing potential barriers, and dedicating significant time to the task will help you achieve that success, and sharing your work with others may provide opportunities to formally present your advocacy goals.īuilding and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and key contacts are crucial in bolstering support for an advocacy task or influencing policy.
Examples of networking include meeting with experts, becoming involved in an organization, building relationships, and providing updates to those who support your advocacy efforts.Īnd finally, in Step 4, work to your full potential and take credit for your success. Step 3 involves networking to gain expertise. Elements of the three-dimensional plan include 1) improving the patient experience of care, including quality and satisfaction, 2) improving health of populations, and 3) reducing per capita cost of healthcare. The framework provided by the Institute of Healthcare Improvement’s Triple Aim Initiative is one approach to consider. Step 2 is to research the subject and select the most successful and appropriate evidence-based intervention. (Passion for the subject is important to sustain drive.) Have you ever thought about using your knowledge as a nurse to advocate for improving public health? I see it as a four-step process. Because nurses have a wealth of knowledge, skills, tenacity, and a firsthand view of healthcare challenges, members of the profession are ideal candidates for supporting and presenting health policy proposals to legislators. Nurses are developing greater awareness of the impact of health policies on nursing and healthcare practice.
This third of a six-part series on President Catrambone's call addresses influence through policy. In her presidential call to action for the 2015-17 biennium, Cathy Catrambone, PhD, RN, FAAN, called all members of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) to “ Influence to Advance Global Health & Nursing” in four areas: 1) advocacy, 2) policy, 3) lifelong learning, and 4) philanthropy. ISBAR and the nursing process are excellent policy-advocacy tools.