Interviewer: What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between the design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples?

 

K.S.: The roles in healthcare program implementation include translating the program from theory to practice. As they are in direct contact with the patients, nurses also report on the response of the patients to the program. They also play the role of educating the patients on the program and what it entails. And most importantly, nurses manage organizational change when implementing new practices (Ham-Baloyi, 2022). Their role, however, varies between the design and implementation of healthcare programs. For example, during the program’s design, their role is to inform the program’s design to ensure it aligns with the patient’s needs, patient numbers, and preferences. On the other hand, during implementation, they are accountable for the success or failure of the program.