This eagerly anticipated book equips readers to understand the dynamics of policy processes, relevant decision-making and the significance of key decision-makers. It also emphasizes the usefulness of negotiation and diplomacy skills in order to support the development of an advanced nursing practice (ANP) initiative that involves the identification of pivotal issues to ensure that nurses unlock their full potential. Topics include a definition of strategic planning, essential factors to bear in mind, and frameworks to use in the context of formulating effective policies. By addressing outcome indicators and research, this volume offers a comprehensive approach to coordinated planning, and will appeal to advanced practice nurses, healthcare planners and policymakers, as well as administrators at hospitals and healthcare institutions.

Madrean Schober, PhD, MSN, ANP, FAANP is a nurse practitioner, educator, mentor, writer, lecturer and consultant with expertise in the development of advanced practice nursing roles, healthcare policy, curriculum design and programme development. She has been an international consultant with expertise in role development for 15 years, past-Chair of the ICN International Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network as well as International Relations Liaison for the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. With a background in family health, family nursing and community healthcare, she has an aim to provide healthcare services to diverse populations along with strategic planning for improved access to all. These services include the promotion of advanced nursing practice in the provision of healthcare services. 

1. Introduction.- 1.1 Defining strategic planning.- 1.2 Policy and policy theory defined.- 1.3 Significance of a strategic approach.- 2. Critical Points to consider.- 2.1 Defining the Process.- 2.1.1 Agenda setting.- 2.1.2 Policymakers and their networks.- 2.1.3 Influencing policy decisions.- 2.1.4 Nurses as policymakers.- 2.2 Models and Frameworks.- 2.2.1 PEPPA Framework.- 2.2.2 Schober APN Policy Framework.- 2.2.3 Additional models/frameworks.- 3. Theories of Social Policy.- 3.1 Hall, Land& Parker Agenda Setting Framework.- 3.2 Kingdons Garbage Can Model.- 3.3 Lindbloms Disjointed Incrementalism.- 3.4 Walts framework for policy implementation.- 3.5 Commentary on social theories for nursing.- 4. Evidence Based Policy Decisions.- 4.1 Reality: Is evidence used to make decisions?.- 4.2 The policy agenda and decisions.- 5. Diplomacy and Negotiation.- 5.1 Nurses stages of political engagement.- 5.2 Acquiring the necessary skills.- 5.2.1 Communication: A beneficial policy approach.- 6. Needs Assessment of the Health System.- 6.1 Effective Reform.- 6.2 Beneficial debate and discussion.- 6.3 Research, evaluation and quality improvement.- 7. Indicators and Outcomes.- 7.1 How can I know if I am on the correct path?.- 7.2 Evaluation and adaptation.- 7.3 Policy Analysis Models.- 8. Coordination: Rational versus ad hoc development