Graduate Policy Class Has a Lasting Impact on Health Science Student Political Knowledge and Skill

Area of Science:

• Health Policy Education
• Graduate Health Sciences
• Healthcare Advocacy

Background:

• Accrediting bodies mandate healthcare policy and advocacy education for graduate nursing and occupational therapy students.
• Understanding policy and advocacy is crucial for healthcare professionals to influence healthcare systems.
• Previous research has not fully assessed the impact of policy coursework on student political astuteness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of dedicated policy classes on the political astuteness of graduate nursing and occupational therapy students.
• To determine if policy education enhances students' ability to engage in healthcare advocacy.
• To measure changes in political astuteness from the beginning to the end of graduate programs.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal, follow-up study design was employed.
• Students in graduate nursing and occupational therapy programs completed a modified Political Astuteness Inventory (PAI).
• Data were collected at the start and end of the students' programs of study, with 78 participants at baseline and 47 at follow-up.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in the mean PAI scores was observed upon program completion.
• Students demonstrated enhanced political astuteness after completing policy-focused coursework.
• The findings indicate a positive correlation between policy instruction and increased political awareness.

Conclusions:

• Dedicated policy instruction can effectively increase political astuteness among graduate health science students.
• Developing political astuteness in healthcare professionals is essential for creating effective and equitable healthcare policies.
• Future healthcare leaders require robust policy education to successfully navigate and shape the healthcare landscape.