NSG 4068 Week 1 Project – Using a Health Policy Model to Develop a Change in Policy to Improve Public Health Methods to Achieve Buy-In

In order to obtain buy-in from the public, various methods may be utilized. It is of utmost importance to provide issue clarity. One way this can be accomplished is through issue papers. This method paints a clear picture of the arguments for and against an issue, including evidential support for the policy proposal, and creates strategies that aid in keeping the issue moving forward in the policy process (Mason et al., 2016). The issue will include the detrimental health effects of sugared drinks, the public health arguments for the policy, the economic arguments against the policy, evidence-based information on the health benefits of the proposed tax, historical research on policy success in other communities and strategies to prevent negative outcomes and barriers in the policy’s promotion. This will allow the public to have a strong hold on why the issue is important and how the proposed policy offers a successful solution; thus, buy-in can be achieved. It is also important to gain the public’s support by raising awareness and educating them about the health benefits of a sugared beverage tax. This can be undertaken through outlets such as educational conferences, public question and answer sessions and media involvement via newspaper articles, news media and social media.

Longest’s Policy Cycle Model

The Longest’s policy cycle model can be used to structure a policy proposal in order to ensure it addresses all areas of the process. This model encompasses three phases which include policy formulation, policy implementation and policy modification. In the policy formulation phase, the nurse brings the issue to the attention of legislators and assists in shaping a policy that is patient-focused (Mason et al., 2016). During this phase, the nurse will educate legislators on the widespread and detrimental public health effects of sugared beverages. This is essential as it will influence how the policy will be drafted with patient-focused outcomes at its centre (Mason et al., 2016). In the policy implementation phase, the policy is passed from the legislative branch to the executive branch and then implemented. At this point, the defining characteristics and rules of the policy are written. Stakeholders are very influential during this phase, and the specific rules may need to be adjusted accordingly if enough scientific evidence exists. Expert nurses examine how these rules are specified as well as work to maintain support through campaigns. (Mason et al., 2016). The nurse will review and monitor the specific rules in the sugared beverage policy such as the tax amount and which beverages will be included. The nurse must be prepared to counteract opposition to the policy from the beverage industry and their interest groups with evidence-based information. Public opposition should continue to be met with health education and campaigns to sustain awareness of the policy’s purpose for health promotion. The policy modification phase is the last step in the process. In this phase, the policy is revised and modified if undesirable outcomes occur or the circumstances have changed at a later time (Mason et al., 2016). Once the sugared beverage tax policy has been established, evidence-based data may warrant a change in the tax amount or the list of included beverages.

Stakeholders

The stakeholders are all the individuals who will be directly affected by the policy implementation and those involved in the policy decision-making process (Mason et al., 2016). In the proposed sugared beverage tax policy, the stakeholders are the community, health insurance companies, medical professionals, medical facilities, policy decision-makers, public health organizations, the beverage industry and interest groups. A policy that is viewed as beneficial by political figures and stakeholders has a much higher chance of being passed and implemented (Mason et al., 2016)