Teaching Strategies: Incorporating Current Issues in Class Discussions on Targeted Policy Analysis
Integrating current issues into class discussions on targeted policy analysis not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for real-world challenges. Here are some effective strategies educators can use to engage students in these discussions.
1. Facilitate Interactive Discussions
Transform traditional lectures into interactive discussions. Use open-ended questions to stimulate dialogue and encourage students to express their views on specific policies. This approach fosters critical thinking and helps students consider the broader implications of these policies.
2. Utilize Case Studies
Incorporate case studies that highlight the effects of specific policies in action. By analyzing real-life scenarios, students can see the practical implications of policies on patient care and healthcare systems, making the discussion more tangible and relevant.
3. Encourage Diverse Perspectives
Create an environment where diverse opinions can flourish. Assign students to represent different stakeholders—such as patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers—during discussions. This not only broadens their understanding but also promotes empathy and critical analysis of varying viewpoints.
4. Connect to Leadership Development
Frame policy discussions within the context of leadership. Highlight how DNP-prepared nurses can advocate for policy change and influence healthcare delivery. Encourage students to think about their role as leaders and how they can use their expertise to drive improvements in the healthcare system.
5. Leverage Technology and Resources
Incorporate digital tools to enhance discussions. Encourage students to share articles, podcasts, and videos related to current policy issues. Utilizing technology can make discussions more engaging and provide students with a wealth of resources to draw from.
6. Reflect and Apply Learning
After each discussion, prompt students to reflect on what they’ve learned and how it applies to their future practice. This could involve written reflections, group presentations, or practical assignments. Connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world applications reinforces the importance of policy analysis in their professional roles.
To help your students understand specific policy analysis as outlined in the text Evaluation of Quality in Health Care for DNPs, one of the more common frameworks for analyzing a policy is that of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2018). Specifically, Domains 1 and 2 apply to the policy itself (see Figure 14.1). Domain 1 relates to identifying the problem or issue. This may be a proactive step, as in considering a new policy, to address an issue for which no policy exists. At the microlevel of policy analysis, we saw this happening regularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when little was known about the disease, how it was spread, how to treat it, or what care was to be provided. Nurse leaders in health care organizations found their days overtaken by creating policies and rewriting them, sometimes within a matter of hours due to emerging information. The problem or issue identification may also be retrospective, for example, when a policy exists and is not achieving the desired results. An example of this might be seen in the changes to rules and regulations associated with the ACA. Policies were put in place to implement the law, and as they were tested, some were determined to be ineffective. The response to the existing policies was to modify, create a new one, or provide new avenues for implementing the intent of the policy.
Incorporating current issues into class discussions on targeted policy analysis empowers DNP students to engage critically with healthcare policies. By using interactive strategies and promoting diverse perspectives, educators can enhance students’ understanding and prepare them to be effective leaders in the evolving healthcare landscape. Through these discussions, future nurse leaders can develop the skills necessary to advocate for positive change and improve patient outcomes in their communities.
Evaluation of Quality in Health Care for DNPs, emphasizes quality improvement, including the QI-research continuum, interdisciplinary collaboration, and teamwork. New case studies, QI project examples, and content focused on improving teamwork enhance its value. It also covers the theoretical basis of evaluation, including models to address economic viability, and guides readers on translating evaluation outcomes into healthcare policy.
