As we come to a close in our discussion of policy evolution of emergency contraception, we have to ask, how can we sustain this policy? Not only as a public member, but also as drivers of this policy. Sustaining change can be difficult. It seems more likely than not that when the hype of an issue is over, it is forgotten about. As we discussed last week, the change has to be embraced. We have to turn the winds of change to a new direction and expand our innovative ideas to a new platform (Townsend, 2013). The idea of emergency contraception sprouted from the rising unintended birth rates and subsequent lack of access to methods that could be used to avoid those pregnancies. First there must be a reason for the change. Something is not working right and outcomes are poor. Next there must be a solution to the problem. The solution may already be developed or may need innovative ideas to get it going. As novice policy makers/influencers, it is our job to link the two. It is our job to ensure that the program or idea is sustained. Otherwise, what is the purpose of the whole thing? In order to have a policy sustained, it is important to identify barriers and facilitators that will allow the practice to be accepted in the population (Virani, Lemieux-Charles, Davis, & Berta, 2009).
Townsend, J. (2013). Disruptive innovation: A prescription for better health care. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/ashoka/2013/04/23/disruptive-innovation-a-prescription-for-better-health-care/
Virani, T., Lemieux-Charles, L., Davis, D., & Berta, W. (January 2009). Sustaining change: Once evidence-based practices are transferred, what then? Healthcare Quarterly, 12(1), 89-96.
Emergency Contraception 