Development of a policy equity impact assessment tool.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Equity
• Policy Analysis

Background:

• Historically rooted inequities persist in nursing education, necessitating an equity-focused examination of policies.
• Policy Equity Impact Assessment tools (EIAT) are crucial for analyzing policy effects to achieve equitable outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of a policy EIAT within a nursing school.
• To ensure the EIAT aligns with trauma-informed educational practices.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature and existing EIATs from educational, social justice, and governmental sectors.
• Development of a tool to support decision-making, policymaking, and policy revision.

Main Results:

• The developed EIAT considers policy beneficiaries and burdens, potential unintended consequences, and community engagement.
• The tool incorporates strategies for mitigating trauma and harm.

Conclusions:

• The policy EIAT is adaptable for use in diverse nursing education programs and practice settings.
• Implementation of a policy EIAT can foster more equitable policies and combat structural racism in nursing education.