Advocating For The Nursing Role In Program Design And 384346

Advocating For The Nursing Role In Program Design And Impl

Review the Resources and reflect on your thinking regarding the role of the nurse in the design and implementation of new healthcare programs. Select a healthcare program - MEDICARE within your practice and consider the design and implementation of this program. Reflect on advocacy efforts and the role of the nurse in relation to healthcare program design and implementation.

In a 2- to 3-page paper, create an interview transcript of your responses to the following interview questions: Tell us about a healthcare program, within your practice. What are the costs and projected outcomes of this program? Who is your target population? What is the role of the nurse in providing input for the design of this healthcare program? Can you provide examples? What is your role as an advocate for your target population for this healthcare program? Do you have input into design decisions? How else do you impact design? What is the role of the nurse in healthcare program implementation? How does this role vary between design and implementation of healthcare programs? Can you provide examples? Who are the members of a healthcare team that you believe are most needed to implement a program? Can you explain why?

Then, using your written responses as a script, create either a 4- to 5-minute narrated video or audio recording of your answers. Your responses should be thorough but also conversational in nature.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Healthcare programs serve as vital components in the improvement of health outcomes and the quality of care provided to diverse populations. Among these, Medicare stands out as a significant federal health insurance program primarily targeting individuals aged 65 and older, and those with certain disabilities. As a nurse practicing within this landscape, understanding the intricacies of Medicare, including its costs, projected outcomes, and role in facilitating access to care, is essential. Nurses are uniquely positioned to influence both the design and implementation of such programs, advocating for patient needs while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize effectiveness.

Healthcare Program Overview

Medicare is designed to provide health coverage to a vulnerable and expanding demographic, thus reducing financial barriers to essential health services. The costs associated with Medicare encompass premiums, deductibles, and co-payments, which can pose challenges for beneficiaries with limited income. Projected outcomes include increased access to preventive, acute, and chronic care services, improved health status, and reduced hospital readmissions. These outcomes align with broader healthcare goals of equity, efficiency, and quality enhancement. However, ongoing efforts are necessary to address gaps such as coverage limitations and disparities among underserved populations.

Target Population

The primary target population for Medicare includes older adults aged 65 and above, along with certain younger individuals with disabilities or specific health conditions. Within my practice, the focus extends to ensuring that this demographic receives culturally competent, accessible, and coordinated care that accounts for comorbidities and social determinants of health influencing health outcomes.

Role of the Nurse in Program Design: Input & Examples

The role of nurses in the design of Medicare-related healthcare programs is proactive and collaborative. Nurses contribute valuable insights from direct patient interactions, understanding barriers, needs, and preferences. For example, in designing outreach initiatives for vaccination programs among seniors, nurses identify logistical barriers like transportation and health literacy, informing tailored solutions. Their frontline experience enables them to advocate for modifications that enhance engagement, such as simplified communication materials or community-based service points.

Nurse as Advocate: Target Population & Design Impact

As advocates, nurses champion the needs of their target populations by influencing policy development, ensuring equitable access, and integrating evidence-based practices into program design. For instance, advocating for expanded coverage of mental health services within Medicare addresses unmet needs of underserved seniors. Nurses also impact design by participating in advisory committees, providing feedback during pilot phases, and utilizing data analytics to identify gaps and opportunities for enhancement.

Role of Nurse in Program Implementation: Variations & Members of the Healthcare Team

During program implementation, nurses transition from planners to active facilitators of care. They coordinate service delivery, educate beneficiaries on program benefits, and monitor adherence, ensuring the intended outcomes are achieved. This implementation role differs from design, where nurses focus on strategic input; during implementation, their emphasis shifts to execution and quality assurance. For example, nurses may lead community outreach efforts or oversee case management to streamline service access.

Effective implementation relies on a multidisciplinary team. Essential members include social workers, pharmacists, case managers, and primary care providers. Social workers address social determinants impacting health, pharmacists ensure medication management, and primary care providers coordinate overall care. The inclusion of these professionals fosters a holistic approach, addressing complex needs and improving program efficacy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nurses play a critical role in shaping healthcare programs like Medicare through advocacy, design input, and effective implementation. Their frontline experience and holistic perspective enable them to influence policy decisions that promote patient-centered, equitable care. As healthcare continues to evolve, nursing leadership in program development ensures that systems remain responsive to the dynamic needs of diverse populations, ultimately enhancing health outcomes and fostering a more inclusive, effective healthcare environment.

References

• Berwick, D. M., & Fisher, E. (2018). Advancing health policy and practice through nursing leadership. Nursing Outlook, 66(3), 238-245.
• Ironside, P. M., & van der Riet, P. (2018). Nurse advocacy and health policy: Impact on patient care. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 50(4), 410-417.
• Johnson, M. L., & Smith, R. A. (2020). The role of nurses in healthcare policy development. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(11), 563-568.
• Levine, R. B., & Baird, M. (2019). The impact of nursing advocacy on health policy reform. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 20(2), 77-85.
• National Institute on Aging. (2021). Medicare: A starting point. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medicare
• Roberts, C. M., & Schmitt, M. H. (2020). Interprofessional collaboration and patient outcomes. Journal of Healthcare Quality, 42(4), 241-248.
• Sharma, S., & Sahoo, S. (2019). Nurses' role in health policy and systems strengthening. Indian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 2(2), 45-50.
• World Health Organization. (2020). State of the world's nursing. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003279
• Weberg, D. (2019). Leading change in nursing: A practical guide. Springer Publishing Company.
• American Nurses Association. (2022). Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice (4th ed.). ANA Publishing.