Where I live in Colombia, we are experiencing very difficult times, which at the same time has been an incentive for a new generation to advocate for public policy related to care.
This pandemic has demonstrated something often overlooked: the care provided by nurses is essential to respond to the multiple contingencies associated with disordered human development—not only related to SARS-CoV-2-2 infection but also to climate change. On the other hand, it became evident, once again, that care within households (usually provided by women) is as critical for survival as income and health itself.
As a result of these circumstances, six Sigma nurses (including myself) at the National University of Colombia established a think tank on care. It arose from the commitment of an academic group interested in the conceptual development of care from a nursing perspective. After more than 24 years of continuous work in which eight books have been published and 23 international seminars on the subject have been held, the think tank became a reality.
The objective of the thought center is to contribute in a concrete way elements to establish the national policy of care and its operationalization through the National System of Care and the elements that have been developed from the nursing discipline.
This think tank is also a space for discussion and analysis. It brings together multiple disciplines not only from the field of health but also from the social, human, and economic sciences to understand the central aspects that public policy and the national care system should contain. Inviting other academics to participate—synchronizing their agendas, finding the appropriate spaces for meeting, dialogue, and reaching consensus—was a demanding task. However, little by little, we managed to build a solid conglomerate of people interested in contributing.
Today, we have a core group of eight lecturers, and three are from other disciplines, who are constantly involved in discussions with state decision-making bodies. These discussions define the potential recipients of care, the potential providers, and the qualities to be guaranteed.
In addition, we are coordinating with local authorities to set up working and training groups for the community to raise awareness, reduce overload, and redistribute care within households. The goal is to strengthen the skills of caregivers, too.
With the collaboration of other think tanks, we are also working on a proposal for the reconfiguration of the Colombian health system. We hope in the future to be able to continue contributing ideas and analyses that reflect the views of academics, civil society, and all other stakeholders. The aim is to guide decision-makers through possible courses of action for the benefit of citizens.
My experience has been personally fulfilling and rewarding, but most importantly, I believe it has improved the perception of nursing in the arena of public policy. We’re now present and vocal at the level where policies relevant to our profession are designed. It is so important for nurse leaders to participate in debates and the design of health-related policies. Only in this way will our needs, problems, requirements, and contributions be considered.
In addition, I would like to emphasize again that everyone in our think tank is a Sigma member. This is a sample of the influence that the honor society has in our lives and, through us, in the lives of the inhabitants of the Colombian territory.
This challenging period of significant changes has also been a time of professional growth and empowerment for all of us. I hope that these words will motivate others to raise their voices and work towards political participation within each country. Our joint, united, and active work will determine how we will be considered and valued as participants in improving the health and well-being of the people of our countries.
Luz Patricia Díaz Heredia, PhD, MSN, RN, is an Associate Professor at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. She is a member of Sigma’s Upsilon Nu Chapter, and she is the Regional Coordinator for the Latin America & Caribbean Region.