Nurses' Involvement in Healthcare Policy in Taiwan

Background/ Issue: In April 2015, there were 254,255 registered nurses (RNs), the largest group of healthcare providers, in Taiwan. However, their involvement in developing healthcare policy is very low. Several barriers to nursing involvement in healthcare policy in Taiwan include (a) issues of interprofessional hierarchy and traditional views of gender roles in the healthcare system in Taiwan, (b) insufficient skills and knowledge about the policy-making process, (c) lack of understanding of the importance of being involved in policy, and (d) lack of time and opportunities for policy participation outside of nursing work.

Description:  This session discusses barriers to participation in the policy development process and strategies for improving competency and involvement in healthcare policy among RNs in Taiwan.

Implications/recommendation: The Code of Ethics of the Taiwan Nurses Association for nurses includes showing concerns for social, economic and political factors affecting health, and actively participating in proposals related to policy. To enhance awareness, literacy, and competency in healthcare policy among RNs, nursing educators in Taiwan should provide courses on policy processes and current healthcare policy issues at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Leadership and advocacy skills should be also developed within nursing to increase RNs’ abilities to carry out policy activities. RNs in Taiwan must join together as one voice to make changes and influence healthcare policy in order to improve the healthcare environment.