Quality through health policy: the Canadian example

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Policy
• Nursing Administration

Background:

• Healthcare policymakers face quality vs. cost trade-offs.
• National nurses' associations must engage in policy discussions.
• The Canadian Nurses' Association has influenced national health policy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the role of national nurses' associations in healthcare policy.
• To understand the benefits and risks of influence in policy-making.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of the Canadian Nurses' Association's policy involvement.
• Review of historical influence and potential for co-option.

Main Results:

• National nurses' associations possess significant influence in shaping health policy.
• There are inherent risks of being co-opted by the healthcare system.

Conclusions:

• Active participation of nurses' associations is vital for protecting interests.
• Navigating influence requires strategic engagement to avoid system co-option.