Nursing in the governance model of health programmes

Background: The epidemiological and demographic patterns of transition present shifting challenges to European health systems. Aging and higher prevalence of non-communicable diseases challenge health services organisations. Attribution of responsibilities and activities amongst professionals and their interactions can be adapted, creating new strategies and governance models implying nurses can equate national programmes from management to execution. This paper aims to describe good practices in Portugal reflecting national programmes implemented locally by nurses articulated with multiple stakeholders. Methods: The methodology used involved detailed analysis of governance models available on health ministry websites and monitoring reports showing process and outcome indicators of national, regional and local programmes managed by nurses. Results: Analysis revealed programmes nationally coordinated by nurses, namely the National Programme for Children and Youth Health. This Programme provides health surveillance from birth through interventions of health professionals. Indicators related to health promotion and disease prevention revealed positive results and its indicators place Portugal positively when compared to European countries. Conclusions: The dissemination of these governance models is considered relevant for the recognition of nurses in the coordination of programmes at local and national levels, specifically related to child health and vaccination, as health gains obtained place Portugal amongst European countries with the best results in this field.