Describe three political actions nurses could take to strengthen their role in policymaking as it relates to advocacy for improving LGBTQ health. 1-Correlate your discussion to the AACN MSN Essentials, IDENTIFY one that most pertains to this topic and elaborate on your selection. Attached below is additional information regarding providing adequate care for the LGBTQ community as outlined by Joint Commission and the CDC: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health:
Introduction:
Nurses play a vital role in advocating for and improving the health of the LGBTQ community. As frontline healthcare providers, they are well-positioned to address the unique healthcare needs of this population and contribute to policy-making efforts. This paper will discuss three political actions that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking, with a focus on improving LGBTQ health. The discussion will be correlated to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Master’s Essentials, and one essential that pertains particularly to this topic will be elaborated upon.
Political Action 1: Engage in Legislative Advocacy:
One effective political action that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking and advocate for improving LGBTQ health is to engage in legislative advocacy. By actively participating in the legislative process, nurses can influence the development and enactment of policies that support the health and well-being of the LGBTQ community.
Nurses can work with professional nursing organizations and advocacy groups to lobby for legislation that advances LGBTQ rights and promotes inclusive healthcare practices. They can collaborate with lawmakers to propose bills aimed at reducing health disparities experienced by LGBTQ individuals, ensuring their access to quality healthcare services, and addressing discrimination and stigma in healthcare settings.
In addition to advocating for LGBTQ-specific policies, nurses can also support broader healthcare initiatives that have implications for this population. For example, supporting Medicaid expansion may improve access to healthcare for low-income LGBTQ individuals who are at a higher risk of being uninsured. Engaging in legislative advocacy not only helps to improve LGBTQ health but also enhances the visibility and influence of nurses in policy-making circles.
Correlation to AACN MSN Essential:
The AACN Master’s Essentials guide the education of nurses at the Master’s level, ensuring that they acquire essential competencies to provide high-quality, evidence-based care. One essential that pertains to the topic of strengthening nurses’ role in policymaking as it relates to LGBTQ health is Essential XI: Informatics and Healthcare Technologies (AACN, 2021).
Informatics and healthcare technologies play a crucial role in advancing healthcare policy and practice. In the context of improving LGBTQ health, utilizing informatics and healthcare technologies can help nurses collect, analyze, and disseminate data regarding the healthcare experiences and outcomes of this population. Such data can be instrumental in advocating for policy changes that address the unique health needs of LGBTQ individuals.
Nurses can use electronic health records (EHRs) and informatics tools to systematically collect data on patient demographics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and health outcomes. By analyzing this data, nurses can identify health disparities and develop evidence-based interventions targeted at improving LGBTQ health. Informatics tools also enable nurses to track progress, monitor the effectiveness of interventions, and inform policy decisions.
Moreover, healthcare technologies can facilitate the dissemination of healthcare information to healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public. For instance, electronic portals and mobile applications can provide healthcare professionals with access to evidence-based guidelines for LGBTQ-inclusive care. Nurses can leverage these technologies to stay updated on current practices and educate themselves and their colleagues about best practices in LGBTQ health.
By integrating informatics and healthcare technologies into their practice, nurses can contribute to evidence generation, dissemination, and implementation, thereby strengthening their role in policy-making processes. They can use data to inform policy discussions, collaborate with informatics experts to create data systems that capture LGBTQ health data effectively, and leverage technology to advocate for policies that promote LGBTQ health equity.
Political Action 2: Form Coalitions and Partnerships:
Another important political action that nurses can take to strengthen their role in policymaking and advocacy for improving LGBTQ health is to form coalitions and partnerships. Building alliances with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and advocacy groups can amplify nurses’ voices and increase their collective influence in policy-making processes.
Forming coalitions and partnerships allows nurses to unite with like-minded individuals and organizations that have a shared goal of improving LGBTQ health. By combining their knowledge, resources, and networks, nurses can advocate for policy changes on a larger scale and have a greater impact on the healthcare system. Working collaboratively, nurses can increase public awareness, influence public opinion, and garner support for LGBTQ-inclusive policies.
These partnerships can take various forms, such as collaborating with LGBTQ advocacy groups, engaging with local and national healthcare associations, and joining healthcare coalitions focused on reducing health disparities. By working with these organizations, nurses can participate in joint advocacy efforts, contribute to the development of policy statements, and engage in collective campaigns targeted at improving LGBTQ health.
The formation of coalitions and partnerships not only strengthens the political influence of nurses but also fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. Such collaborations are essential for addressing the complex and multifaceted health issues faced by LGBTQ individuals. By engaging with diverse stakeholders, nurses can bring different perspectives to the policy-making table and develop comprehensive solutions that better cater to the healthcare needs of this population.
Correlation to AACN MSN Essential:
One AACN MSN Essential that aligns with the political action of forming coalitions and partnerships is Essential V: Health Policy and Advocacy (AACN, 2021). This essential emphasizes the importance of nurses engaging in policy processes, coalition-building, and advocacy efforts to improve health outcomes at the individual, community, and population levels.
Nurses equipped with the knowledge and skills outlined in Essential V can effectively collaborate with other stakeholders to influence policy development and advocate for changes that improve LGBTQ health. By leveraging their expertise in health policy and advocacy, nurses can contribute to coalitions and partnerships aimed at advancing LGBTQ health equity. They can provide critical insights based on their experiences caring for LGBTQ individuals and advocate for policies that address the unique needs and challenges faced by this population.
Furthermore, nurses can actively participate in crafting policy statements, develop evidence-based arguments in support of LGBTQ-inclusive policies, and mobilize stakeholders to promote policy changes. By incorporating the principles of health policy and advocacy into their practice, nurses strengthen their ability to influence the policy-making process and advocate for positive change in LGBTQ health.
Political Action 3: Engage in Research and Scholarship:
Engaging in research and scholarship is another important political action that nurses can undertake to strengthen their role in policymaking and advocate for improving LGBTQ health. Research provides the evidence base necessary for policy development and can influence the direction of policy debates.
By conducting research focused on LGBTQ health, nurses can generate empirical evidence regarding the healthcare needs and experiences of this population. Robust research can provide insights into the root causes of health disparities, identify effective interventions, and evaluate the impact of policies and interventions on LGBTQ health outcomes.
Nurses can contribute to research and scholarship in multiple ways. They can design and conduct research studies that explore topics such as LGBTQ health disparities, the impact of discrimination on health outcomes, and effective strategies for providing LGBTQ-inclusive care. Nurses can also collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach to research that considers the social determinants of health and the intersections of gender, sexuality, and other identity factors.
Moreover, nurses can contribute to scholarship by disseminating research findings through publications in academic journals, presentations at conferences, and workshops. They can use their research to inform policy debates and educate policymakers about the importance of LGBTQ-inclusive policies. By being actively involved in research and scholarship, nurses strengthen their credibility as experts and enhance their influence in policy-making processes.
Correlation to AACN MSN Essential:
The important political action of engaging in research and scholarship aligns with Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes (AACN, 2021). Essential VI emphasizes the significance of collaborative partnerships and teamwork in improving health outcomes and fostering population health.
Through research and scholarship, nurses can collaborate with other healthcare professionals, scholars, and policymakers to address the healthcare needs of the LGBTQ community. By engaging in interprofessional collaboration, nurses can contribute their unique perspectives and expertise to research teams, ensuring that LGBTQ health is addressed comprehensively.
Interprofessional collaboration also facilitates the translation of research findings into policy and practice. Nurses can work with interdisciplinary teams to analyze research data, synthesize evidence, and develop innovative strategies for improving LGBTQ health. By actively engaging in the research process and collaborating with other professionals, nurses enhance their ability to influence policy-making decisions and advocate for evidence-based policies that advance LGBTQ health equity.
Conclusion:
Nurses can play a significant role in improving LGBTQ health by engaging in various political actions. Legislative advocacy allows nurses to actively participate in policy-making processes, propose LGBTQ-specific policies, and address broader healthcare initiatives. Forming coalitions and partnerships helps amplify nurses’ voices and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling comprehensive solutions to the healthcare needs of LGBTQ individuals. Engaging in research and scholarship generates evidence that informs policy development, influences policy debates, and enhances the credibility and influence of nurses in policy-making processes. By taking these political actions, nurses can strengthen their role in policymaking and advocate for policies that promote LGBTQ health equity.