Q2. Explanation of why advocacy is an essential component of advanced practice nurse’s role

Populations grapple with poor social determinants of health (SDOH) that result in preventable health inequalities and disparities. Examples of unfavorable conditions that constitute social determinants of health are poverty, poor housing and neighborhood, deficient infrastructure, socioeconomic status, level of educational attainment, and social contexts (Murray, 2018). Healthcare professionals operate as the bridge between vulnerable populations and quality care services. As a result, advocacy emerges as an essential component of the advanced practice nurse’s role since it entails addressing the causes of health disparities and operating on behalf of susceptible populations. Abbasinia et al. (2020) contend that patient advocacy entails multiple attributes, including patient empowerment, care continuity, follow-up, counseling, whistle-blowing, and valuing diversities. At a policy level, APRNs can fulfill their advocacy role by influencing policies, assuming leadership and management positions, and using their experience and knowledge to ensure adherence to bioethical principles; autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. Therefore, advocacy is a profound dimension of addressing health disparities and bridging chasms in care quality, accessibility, affordability, and utilization.