Developing national health policy in Taiwan

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Nursing Practice

Background:

• The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has advocated for nurses' involvement in health policy since 1987.
• National nurses' associations (NNAs) are encouraged to actively participate in health policymaking.
• The author shares personal experience in national health policy development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the importance of nurses' role in health policy.
• To provide insights into the process of national health policy development.
• To encourage greater engagement of nurses in policy advocacy.

Main Methods:

• Personal experience and reflection on health policy development.
• Observation of ICN's advocacy efforts since 1987.
• Analysis of the author's role in Taiwan's Department of Health from 1988.

Main Results:

• Nurses' associations can effectively influence health policy.
• Direct involvement in health promotion and protection bureaus is crucial for policy impact.
• Sustained advocacy can lead to policy changes.

Conclusions:

• Nurses are vital stakeholders in shaping health policy.
• Empowering NNAs enhances their policy influence.
• Continued engagement is key to advancing public health agendas.