Health Care Delivery Models and Nursing Practice
Examine changes introduced to reform or restructure the U.S. health care delivery system. In a 1,000-1,250 word paper, discuss action taken for reform and restructuring and the role of the nurse within this changing environment.
Include the following:
- Outline a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation introduced to reform or restructure some aspect of the health care delivery system. Describe the effect of this on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility.
- Discuss how quality measures and pay for performance affect patient outcomes. Explain how these affect nursing practice and describe the expectations and responsibilities of the nursing role in these situations.
- Discuss professional nursing leadership and management roles that have arisen and how they are important in responding to emerging trends and in the promotion of patient safety and quality care in diverse health care settings.
- Research emerging trends. Predict two ways in which the practice of nursing and nursing roles will grow or transform within the next five years to respond to upcoming trends or predicted issues in health care.
You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The U.S. healthcare delivery system has undergone changes aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes, with a focus on patient-centered, high-quality care. Nurses play a significant role in this changing environment by providing patient-centered care and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. This paper discusses the changes introduced to reform and restructure the U.S. healthcare delivery system, the impact on nursing practice, and the role of nurses in this changing environment.
1. Outline a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation introduced to reform or restructure some aspect of the health care delivery system. Describe the effect of this on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 is a federal law that aimed to expand health insurance coverage to millions of Americans, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the quality of healthcare. The ACA has had a significant impact on nursing practice and the role of nurses in the healthcare delivery system.
The ACA introduced several changes, including the establishment of accountable care organizations (ACOs), which are groups of healthcare providers responsible for coordinating care for a group of patients. This change has shifted the focus of nursing practice from individual patient care to population health management, requiring nurses to work collaboratively with other healthcare providers to deliver high-quality care to a diverse patient population.
The ACA has also increased the demand for primary care services, with an emphasis on preventive care, wellness, and health promotion. Nurses play a critical role in delivering these services, as they are often the first point of contact for patients seeking healthcare. Nurses have a responsibility to provide patient-centered care, address health disparities, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care to patients.
2. Discuss how quality measures and pay for performance affect patient outcomes. Explain how these affect nursing practice and describe the expectations and responsibilities of the nursing role in these situations.
Quality measures and pay for performance are tools used to improve patient outcomes and the quality of healthcare services. These tools have significant implications for nursing practice, as they require nurses to focus on the delivery of high-quality care and the achievement of measurable patient outcomes.
Quality measures are evidence-based indicators that assess the effectiveness and safety of healthcare services. The use of quality measures in healthcare settings has increased significantly, with a focus on improving the quality of care and the patient experience. Nurses play a crucial role in implementing quality measures, as they are involved in various aspects of patient care and monitoring patients’ outcomes. Nurses have a responsibility to collect and report data, monitor patient outcomes, and identify opportunities for improvement.
Pay for performance is a payment model that rewards healthcare providers for achieving specific quality measures and patient outcomes. This model has the potential to improve patient outcomes, as it incentivizes healthcare providers to focus on delivering high-quality care. Nurses are essential in this model, as they are responsible for delivering patient-centered care and promoting evidence-based practices. Nurses have a responsibility to work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, collect and report data, and identify opportunities for improving patient outcomes.
3. Discuss professional nursing leadership and management roles that have arisen and how they are important in responding to emerging trends and in the promotion of patient safety and quality care in diverse health care settings.
Professional nursing leadership and management roles are essential in responding to emerging trends and promoting patient safety and quality care in diverse healthcare settings. These roles have evolved to meet the changing demands of the healthcare delivery system and to ensure that nursing practice is aligned with quality and safety goals.
One example of a nursing leadership role that has emerged is the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). The CNO is responsible for leading organizational efforts to improve patient outcomes, promote quality care, and ensure patient safety. This role requires advanced leadership and management skills, including strategic planning, collaboration, and effective communication.
Another example of a nursing leadership role that has emerged is the Nurse Manager. Nurse Managers are responsible for overseeing patient care delivery, managing nursing staff, and ensuring that nursing practice is aligned with organizational goals. This role requires strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to motivate staff, communicate effectively, and manage resources effectively.
4. Research emerging trends. Predict two ways in which the practice of nursing and nursing roles will grow or transform within the next five years to respond to upcoming trends or predicted issues in health care.
One emerging trend in healthcare is the use of telehealth technologies to provide healthcare services remotely. Nursing practice is likely to grow and transform by incorporating telehealth technologies into patient care delivery. Nurses will need to develop new skills to provide effective care remotely, including the ability to manage electronic health records, communicate effectively through telehealth platforms, and provide patient education virtually.
Another emerging trend is the use of data analytics and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Nursing practice is likely to grow and transform by incorporating data analytics and artificial intelligence into patient care delivery. Nurses will need to develop new skills to collect and analyze patient data, monitor patient outcomes, and use artificial intelligence tools to support evidence-based practice.
Conclusion:
The U.S. healthcare delivery system has undergone significant changes aimed at improving healthcare delivery and outcomes. Nurses play a critical role in this changing environment, providing patient-centered care, promoting quality and safety, and working collaboratively with other healthcare providers. As the healthcare delivery system continues to evolve, nursing practice is likely to grow and transform, requiring nurses to develop new skills and adapt to new technologies and emerging trends.
