The Health Care Reform Agenda in Australia: Opportunities for Nurse Leaders?

Abstract

Health systems around the world are embarking on what are at times significant reforms. Drivers for these reforms reflect among many things the changing demographics of societies, the growing impact of chronic and complex conditions, the increasing technological aspects of care, and the increasing cost of health care overall. Nurses are often key contributors and implementers of these various changes. Nurse leaders need to consider their role in enabling the profession during these times of reform. The context within which such reforms are taking place needs to be understood and recognized if nursing is to make a valued contribution. At the same time, nurse leaders need to foster a context within the profession that supports engagement, innovation, and change. Health systems around the world are embarking on what are at times significant reforms. Drivers for these reforms reflect among many things the changing demographics of societies, the growing impact of chronic and complex conditions, the increasing technological aspects of care, and the increasing cost of health care overall. Nurses are often key contributors and implementers of these various changes. Nurse leaders need to consider their role in enabling the profession during these times of reform. The context within which such reforms are taking place needs to be understood and recognized if nursing is to make a valued contribution. At the same time, nurse leaders need to foster a context within the profession that supports engagement, innovation, and change.