Nursing and Midwifery's Impact on Health Policy Development: A Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Nursing and Midwifery Leadership
• Global Health Systems

Background:

• Nurses and midwives are the largest healthcare workforce but face underrepresentation in health policy development.
• Historical barriers, gendered power dynamics, and systemic limitations impede their meaningful involvement in policy.
• Enhancing their role is crucial for improving global health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore strategies for enhancing nursing and midwifery influence on health policy development.
• To identify methods for optimizing their impact on global health systems.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review from 2013-2023 analyzed research, policy reports, and commentaries.
• Thematic analysis synthesized findings on barriers, enablers, and strategies for policy engagement.
• Searches and reference checks identified key factors influencing nursing and midwifery in policy.

Main Results:

• Identified barriers include power imbalances, limited policy education, and inadequate organizational support.
• Current research often overlooks systemic factors like policy actors, regulations, and technology.
• Strategies for enhanced participation involve curriculum integration, leadership programs, and strengthening professional associations.

Conclusions:

• Empowering nurses and midwives requires addressing education, power dynamics, and gender issues.
• Future research should utilize frameworks like Actor Network Theory to understand broader policy contexts.
• Collective action through professional organizations and a multifaceted approach are essential for policy impact.