Heath policies, health, patient, socio-cultural factors, nursing, community health workers, physicians, patient-centred care
Health policies play a pivotal role in shaping the well-being of individuals and communities (Rozaqi, 2023). They serve as the blueprint for healthcare delivery, resource allocation, and public health interventions. Through effective health policies, health systems prevent diseases, promote health, and create a culture of health. Front-line professionals are the backbone of the health system and are at the forefront of implementing health policies. They play a significant role in identifying issues and creating, implementing, evaluating and modifying policies. Their daily interactions with patients and communities offer invaluable insights into the real-world impact of policy decisions (Etowa et al., 2023; Hajizadeh et al., 2021). Some front-line professionals in the health sectors include clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, community health workers, patient advocates and the administration. These professionals are uniquely positioned to understand the nuanced needs and challenges faced by those they serve.
This essay aims to critically examine the role of front-line professionals in influencing health policies.
[...] Conclusion Frontline professionals are pivotal in influencing health policies, from their development and implementation to evaluation and enforcement. Despite facing numerous challenges, including limited resources, power dynamics within the healthcare system, and political factors, frontline professionals continue to advocate tirelessly for policies that promote health equity and improve patient outcomes. By actively engaging in policy advocacy, providing valuable insights and data, and bridging the gap between policymakers and communities, frontline professionals ensure that health policies are informed by evidence-based practices and responsive to the needs of patients and communities. [...]
[...] Political ideologies and partisan interests can shape healthcare policies, sometimes at the expense of evidence-based practices or community needs (Malekinejad et al., 2018). This creates a risk of public health and clinical patient harm. Frontline professionals may navigate a complex landscape of competing priorities and conflicting agendas, making it challenging to advocate for policies prioritising public health and equity. Moreover, resistance to change from entrenched interests, such as industry stakeholders or special interest groups, can stifle efforts to implement innovative policies that challenge the status quo. Lack of involvement is also a significant factor. [...]
[...] Championing Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient-Centred Care Frontline professionals are crucial in championing policies that promote interprofessional collaboration and patient-centred care within healthcare systems. Health workers advocate for policies that support the establishment of interprofessional teams, recognising the value of collaboration between different healthcare disciplines in delivering comprehensive and coordinated care (Brewer and Jones, 2013). They lobby for funding and policy changes that facilitate team-based care models. Frontline professionals ensure that patients receive holistic and integrated services. They also promote policies that advocate for shared decision-making between patients and providers. [...]
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