Experiences of nurses and midwives in policy development in low- and middle-income countries: Qualitative systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundNurses provide 90% of health care worldwide, yet little is known of the experiences of nurses and midwives in policy development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). ObjectiveTo identify, appraise and synthesize the qualitative evidence on the experiences of nurses’ and midwives’ involvement in policy development LMICs. DesignA qualitative systematic review using modified Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. SettingLow and middle-income countries. ParticipantsNurses’ and midwives’ involved in policy development, implementation, and/or evaluation. MethodsA systematic search was undertaken across nine databases to retrieve published studies in English between inception and April of 2021. Screening, critical appraisal, and data extraction was undertaken by two independent reviewers. ResultsTen articles met inclusion criteria. All studies were published between 2000 to 2021 from a variety of LMICs. The studies were medium to high quality (70–100% critical appraisal scores). Four major themes were identified related to policy development: 1) Marginal representation of nurses; 2) Determinants of nurses’ involvement (including at the individual, organization, and systematic level); 3) Leadership as a pathway to involvement; 4) Promoting nurses’ involvement. ConclusionAll studies demonstrated that nurses and nurse midwives continue to be minimally involved in policy development. Findings reveal reasons for nurses’ limited involvement and strategies to foster sustained engagement of nurses in policy development in LMICs. To enhance their involvement in policy development in LMICs, change is needed at multiple levels. Systemic power relations need to be reconstructed to facilitate more collaborative interdisciplinary practices with nurses co-leading and co-developing health care policies.