Nursing decision-making for health policies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe: the ENVISION study

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3><p>The participation of nurse leaders in decision-making has been described as vital for healthcare organisations. However, their involvement in health policy-making is still suboptimal and their contribution is frequently unnoticed. This study aimed to understand the contribution of nurse leaders in decision and policy-making during the COVID-19 pandemic to inform future health crisis management.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A qualitative study using a thematic approach was carried out together with the European Academy of Nursing Science between January 2022 to December 2023.</p><h3>Findings</h3><p>74 nurse leaders from 14 different European countries were interviewed. During COVID-19 pandemic, nurse leaders contributed to redesign nursing care delivery, opening COVID wards, designing vaccination units, and readapting nursing students’ curricula. Nurse leaders addressed the uncertainty through shared decision-making, based on real-time knowledge and available evidence. Self-confidence, empathy, and the ability to adapt to a changing situation were considered essential to fulfil their professional duties. Due to the lack of effective ready-made solutions, nurse leaders were concerned about the consequences of their decisions throughout the pandemic, generating feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The pandemic made the role and competence of nurse leaders more visible, highlighting the importance of their contribution to healthcare systems.</p>