I’m working on a health & medical discussion question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.
Using the attached book Chapters 1 & 5 …
Discuss the relationship between policy and clinical practice? Can you think of an example of how this has impacted on Advanced Nursing Practice.
The book describes the addiction epidemic as a case study. List another example, more than one if you can, not listed in the book, where policy and clinical practice intersect?
Identify a healthcare bill using www.congress.gov website. What is the progress of the bill and what are the next steps to getting it passed.
How to solve
CUNY College of Staten Island Policy and Clinical Practice Discussion
Introduction:
The relationship between policy and clinical practice is a critical aspect of healthcare delivery. Policies, regulations, and guidelines govern the way healthcare professionals provide care and make decisions. In this context, it is important to understand how policy impacts advanced nursing practice and identify examples of policy and clinical practice intersection beyond the addiction epidemic discussed in the provided book. Additionally, we will explore the process of identifying a healthcare bill using the Congress website and discuss the progress and next steps to getting it passed.
Answer to question 1:
The relationship between policy and clinical practice is symbiotic. Policies shape clinical practice by providing frameworks, guidelines, and regulations that guide nurses and healthcare professionals in their decision-making, procedures, and interventions. These policies often aim to improve patient outcomes, increase safety, and ensure quality care. For instance, policies related to medication administration, infection control, and chronic disease management significantly impact nursing practice.
An example of how policy has impacted advanced nursing practice is the introduction of nurse practitioner (NP) autonomy and prescriptive authority. Policy changes in some states have expanded the scope of practice for NPs, allowing them to independently diagnose and treat patients, as well as prescribe medications. This policy change has transformed advanced nursing practice, empowering NPs to provide comprehensive care, particularly in underserved areas where physician shortage exists. NPs now have the freedom to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and expertise, leading to improved access to quality healthcare services.
Answer to question 2:
One example of policy and clinical practice intersecting, not mentioned in the provided book, is the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs). The policy mandates the adoption of EHRs in healthcare settings to improve patient safety, care coordination, and data management. Clinical practice is directly impacted as nurses and healthcare professionals transition from paper-based documentation to electronic systems. This requires training, reorganization of workflow, and a shift in how information is accessed and shared among the healthcare team. The integration of EHRs into clinical practice has the potential to enhance patient care, streamline processes, and facilitate data-driven decision-making.
Another example is the policy regarding healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Policies and guidelines are established to prevent and manage HAIs, significantly impacting clinical practice. Healthcare professionals are required to follow evidence-based practice guidelines for infection prevention, hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and appropriate antimicrobial stewardship. These policies aim to reduce HAIs, enhance patient safety, and improve outcomes.
Answer to question 3:
Using the www.congress.gov website, I have identified the healthcare bill titled “Medicare for All Act of 2021” (H.R. 1976). As of my search, this bill was introduced on March 17, 2021, and is currently in the “Introduced” stage. The next steps to getting this bill passed include committee review, potential markup, consideration by the House of Representatives, and referral to the Senate if approved. The bill may go through amendments, debate, and voting before being passed or rejected by both chambers. If passed, it will be sent to the President for approval or veto.
