Influencing health policy for older adults: Initiatives by the John A. Hartford Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

This article examined the activities and outcomes of Health Centers for Geriatric Nursing Excellence (HCGNE) initiatives over the last 5 years in health policy designed to improve the care for older people. Qualitative data were collected from the 5 HCGNE describing their policy initiatives. The findings showed that HCGNE initiatives included a wide range of policy actions designed to improve access to appropriate geriatric nursing care, improve nursing home quality, develop new models of care delivery, improve the safety and cost effectiveness of transitions from hospital to home, and develop consumer information systems about quality. In addition, HCGNE developed educational courses and programs in health policy with research and policy analysis experiences. Faculty and students were involved in policy and leadership activities at the local, state, and national levels. The HCGNE brought gerontological research knowledge, clinical expertise, and policy experience to the policy arena that resulted in needed policy changes to improve geriatric care. Policy initiatives are key to making long-term system changes that can result in improvements in the access, quality, and costs of care for older people.