In the healthcare field that is under constant change, the advocacy of policy change is necessary so that the best possible standards of patient care and safety are maintained. Contextually within the mother-baby unit, enforcing the restrictive practice of having limited family member visits due to the history of outbreaks calls for a prudent strategy in order to alter the existing culture. Drawing from the insights provided in “Nurses Making Policy: In “From Bedside to Boardroom” (Patton & Ludwick, 2022), this essay identifies an effective strategy, key competencies, the philosophy of the organization, available resources, advocacy groups, and evidence-based practices to understand the reform of the mother-baby unit policy.
Advocating for Culture Change
A multiple-faceted approach is a must in order to promote culture change in the mother-baby unit. This aspect comprises the establishment of open communication platforms that staff, patients, and hospital administration can use to raise their concerns and help understand the necessity of change (Patton & Ludwick, 2022). Offering educational classes on such issues as the benefits of family-centered care and the role of human touch as a health-promoting factor can be useful as well. On top of that, using participatory decision-making mechanisms and making stakeholders active participants in policymaking creates a sense of ownership and commitment to the changes which are in place.
Necessary Competencies
As advocates for policy change, nurses in the mother-baby unit require a diverse skill set. As a nursing staff that cares for policies of change mother-baby unit should be a big asset of a tool. This entails effective communication skills, which are used to articulate the reasons underlying what you want to change and engage the stakeholders in a constructive dialogue (Patton & Ludwick, 2022). Critical thinking abilities are key for the evaluation of existing practices and finding laconic zones, while leadership abilities contribute to the development and implementation of change projects within healthcare units. In addition, cultural competence is critical for grasping a diverse population with special needs and perspectives, which is a way of developing inclusive and equitable policy reform beyond the gaps.
Organizational Philosophy
The philosophy of the organization about advocating for cultural change should be focused on a patient-centred approach, evidence-based methods of practice as well as regular improvement of quality. Emphasizing a commitment to innovation and adaptability makes it possible to mix a range of care delivery approaches, maintaining a match between the policies and the standards and the best practices developed as time goes by (Patton and Ludwick, 2022). Therefore, it is essential to develop and maintain an environment of empowerment and accountability, which helps the frontline staff take part in the decision-making processes and call for required changes to improve patient outcomes.
Available Resources
Various resources can be leveraged within the work setting to address work environment concerns and support policy reform efforts in the mother-baby unit. This involves service to multidisciplinary teams made up of healthcare professionals with different specialities, including but not limited to infection control, quality improvement coordinators, and patient advocacy groups (Patton & Ludwick, 2022). Data analysis and quality improvement techniques allow for the identification of trends and patterns, which provide evidence for data-driven decision-making and point towards the implementation of targeted interventions that address specific problems.
Supportive Advocacy Organizations
Several advocacy organizations can be instrumental in achieving the required policy changes within the mother-baby unit. Organizations like AWHONN or the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses promote evidence-based practices and policies with the overall goal of improving maternal and infant health (Patton & Ludwick, 2022). Working with professional agencies and community-based groups further strengthens advocacy efforts by doing a vocal amplification, mobilizing resources and lobbying for laws that will support policy change agenda.
Evidence-Based Support
To provide evidence-based support to the advocacy process, nurses can reference standards, guidelines, and best practices endorsed by reputable healthcare organizations. For example, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) provide necessary resources and tools to implement patient-centred care and improve family engagement practices (Patton & Ludwick, 2022). Also, guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide evidence-based recommendations for infection prevention and control strategies that will be useful in the formulation of policies aimed at minimizing the risk of mother-baby unit-related infections.
Conclusion
Developing an approach that will build the advocacy for rule reform in the mother-baby unit requires a strategic and collaborative approach that is grounded in effective communication, leadership and patient-oriented patient care. By utilizing scarce resources, getting involved with advocacy organizations and adhering to scientifically proven practices, nurses can lead to culture transformation to increase the quality and safety of care for mothers and infants.
Reference
Patton, R. M., Zalon, M. L., & Ludwick, R. (Eds.). (2022). Nurses making policy: From bedside to boardroom. Springer Publishing Company.
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