Healthcare Policy Decision-Making: A Phenomenological Study of Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Members
Healthcare Policy Decision-Making: A Phenomenological Study of Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Members
Author:
Carmenza Millan
Program of study:
D.H.A.
Abstract:
Little is known about how personal life experiences and societal influences affect the healthcare policy decisions of elected officials. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experience of political leaders making healthcare policy decisions. Eleven legislators from the Illinois Latino Legislative Causes were interviewed. Data were transcribed and analyzed using Moustakas modified van Kaam method. The phenomenological data analysis revealed three essential themes of the healthcare policy decision-making process. The themes were (a) personal and societal lived experiences influence perceptions of healthcare, (b) lived experiences form beliefs of policies needed to improve health outcomes, and (c) lived experiences guide thoughts of government’s role in healthcare and healthcare financing. Legislators are responsible for making policy decisions and develop strategies to improve healthcare. Based on the results of the study, it was recommended that healthcare leaders understand the political process, and become knowledgeable about how life experiences influence the healthcare policy decision-making process of political leaders, so that together with legislators they can create a framework for collaboration, interaction and successfully work as advocates and be a catalyst for positive healthcare reform.
Dedication:
To my family, friends, and colleagues whose unrelenting support and acknowledgment of my effort, despite the many challenges of life, allowed this journey to become a reality. To my parents who instilled self-determination and the drive to succeed. To my brother, my champion, who represents encouragement, strength, and resolve. To my academic friends and faculty whose wisdom and guidance provided reality and focus along the journey. To all who have passed through my life and inspired and mentored me, whose respect, support, and understanding were ever present.
Acknowledgements:
The list is long of those whose support, encouragement, labor, and love have helped me get to the finish line of this particular journey. All of you, and you know who you are, have helped me to press beyond whatever obstacles have come my way and that has allowed me to reach this point in the process. Right up in the front of the line is Dr.Venita Holmes. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge about phenomenology, steering me in the right direction with this project; and getting me over the finish line, especially in light of everything that was on your plate. Thank you to Dr. Aida Giachello, my local mentor and friend, whose extensive knowledge of Latino health, health disparities, and research is renowned. Dr. Gema Hernandez, thank you for your encouragement, guidance, and support with this project. Thank you to the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus members; without your willingness to take time out of your very busy legislative session, this research would not have been possible. Along the way there have been many others who have come across my path at strategic times with just what I needed to take the next step: Victor, Irene, Danita, Marion, Kelly, and Carol stand out among them. Thank you all for sharing with me what God has given you and for listening and encouraging me when I needed it most. I really could not have done this without your support. Thank you all.