Contextual and Individual Factors Influencing the Success of Health Policy Implementation Among Professional Nurses

Abstract

          This academic article analyzed and synthesized contextual and individual factors influencing the successful implementation of health policies among professional nurses, as the largest frontline workforce in the healthcare system. A comprehensive literature review revealed that their success depended on the interplay between two key factors: (1) individual factors, particularly policy literacy, positive attitudes, and work experience; and (2) organizational contextual factors, including a culture receptive to change, managerial support, manageable workloads, and adequate resource allocation. When poorly managed, these factors created a policy-practice gap. This article recommends that the policymakers actively engage nurses in the policy design process, systematically develop policy competencies, and restructure organizational environments to be more flexible, thereby enabling sustainable health policy outcomes.