Nurses' participation in health policy development in Ghana: an exploratory study of nurses' perspective in Bono East Region, Ghana.

Purpose: This study explored factors influencing nurses' participation in the health policy development processes in the newly established Bono East Region of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach: Utilising a qualitative research approach, an explorative case study design and purposive sampling were employed to recruit 24 nurses from three health facilities in the Techiman Municipality. In-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, coded and analysed using a thematic content analysis. Emerging themes were used for the analysis and explained within the theoretical perspective of the social-ecological model.

Findings: The findings revealed that individual factors, such as personal motivations and commitment to improving patient outcomes, significantly impacted nurses' engagement in health policy development. Interpersonal dynamics, including effective collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals, emerged as crucial factors in creating a supportive environment. Organisational support, policies, resource availability and management encouragement are key organisational determinants shaping nurses' capacity to contribute to policy development. Societal factors, such as prevailing attitudes and political considerations, could influence nurses' participation.

Originality/value: This study provides a comprehensive insight into the diverse factors influencing nurses' participation in health policy development in the recently created Bono East Region. The findings offer a foundation for targeted interventions to enhance their active involvement in shaping healthcare policies.