Discussion On Organizational Policies And Practices To Suppo

Discussion Organizational Policies And Practices To Support Healthcar

Discussion: Organizational Policies and Practices to Support Healthcare Issues

Quite often, nurse leaders are faced with ethical dilemmas, such as those associated with choices between competing needs and limited resources. Resources are finite, and competition for those resources occurs daily in all organizations. For example, the use of 12-hour shifts has been a strategy to retain nurses. However, evidence suggests that as nurses work more hours in a shift, they commit more errors. How do effective leaders find a balance between the needs of the organization and the needs of ensuring quality, effective, and safe patient care?

In this discussion, we will examine a national healthcare issue and analyze how competing needs may influence policy development. A comprehensive understanding of these competing priorities is essential for creating policies that effectively address healthcare challenges while maintaining ethical standards and quality care.

Impact of Competing Needs on Policy Development

Healthcare organizations constantly navigate the tension between various competing needs, including those of the workforce, resources, and patients. These needs often conflict, requiring strategic policy-making to balance them. For instance, ensuring adequate staffing levels to provide quality patient care may be challenged by financial constraints and workforce shortages. Policies that aim to address these issues must consider the ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and autonomy (American Nurses Association, 2015).

Effective leaders must evaluate how each need influences policy formation. For example, a policy promoting shorter shifts might improve nurse well-being and reduce errors, yet it could increase operational costs or staffing requirements, thus conflicting with organizational financial goals. Conversely, policies aimed at cost containment might restrict staffing ratios, potentially compromising patient safety and nurse job satisfaction. Therefore, leadership must craft strategies that consider these trade-offs to ensure both organizational sustainability and ethical patient care.

Specific Competing Needs Impacting Healthcare Policy

One specific competing need impacting healthcare policy is the balance between cost containment and quality of care. Healthcare systems must allocate limited resources efficiently while maintaining high standards of patient safety and outcomes (Kelly & Porr, 2018). For example, policies limiting the number of hours nurses can work consecutively aim to reduce fatigue-related errors, aligning with patient safety and nurse well-being (Milliken, 2018). However, such policies might require additional staffing, increasing costs for healthcare organizations.

Another critical need is the workforce's capacity versus the demand for healthcare services. The nursing shortage, exacerbated by burnout and workload issues, threatens access to quality care (Kelly & Porr, 2018). Policies that address workforce well-being, such as providing professional development opportunities, flexible scheduling, and mental health support, are vital. Yet, implementing these policies requires financial investment and organizational commitment, often competing with operational budgets.

Impacts of Competing Needs and Policy Strategies

The impacts of these competing needs include potential compromises on patient safety if policies favor cost savings over staffing adequacy or staff well-being. For example, reducing nurse-to-patient ratios might lower costs but can lead to increased errors, patient dissatisfaction, and nurse burnout (American Nurses Association, 2015). Conversely, prioritizing staff well-being without considering budget constraints could threaten the financial stability of healthcare organizations.

To effectively address these conflicts, policies must incorporate evidence-based strategies that balance the needs of all stakeholders. For instance, implementing flexible scheduling and utilizing technology to improve workflow can optimize staffing efficiency. Additionally, policies supporting ongoing education and mental health resources can improve nurse retention and care quality (Milliken, 2018). Engaging frontline nurses in policy development is also crucial to ensure practical and effective solutions that address real-world needs.

Conclusion

Developing healthcare policies amidst competing needs requires careful ethical consideration and strategic planning. Leaders must evaluate how policies impact patient safety, workforce sustainability, and organizational viability. Balancing these competing interests involves fostering collaboration among stakeholders, leveraging evidence-based practices, and maintaining a steadfast commitment to ethical principles. Addressing these tensions proactively can lead to sustainable healthcare systems that deliver safe, effective, and equitable care for all.

References

  • American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD.
  • Kelly, P., & Porr, C. (2018). Ethical nursing care versus cost containment: Considerations to enhance RN practice. OJIN: Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(1), Manuscript 6. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No01Man06
  • Milliken, A. (2018). Ethical awareness: What it is and why it matters. OJIN: Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 23(1), Manuscript 1. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol23No01Man01
  • Fornari, J. (2018). Balancing cost and quality in healthcare. Health Affairs, 37(2), 245-251. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2017.1432
  • Shanafelt, T., Goh, J., & Sinsky, C. (2017). The business case for investing in physician well-being. JAMA Internal Medicine, 177(12), 1826-1832. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2017.4341
  • Bradshaw, M. J., & McNelis, A. M. (2014). Nursing workload and outcomes. Journal of Nursing Administration, 44(7/8), 368-373. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNA.0000000000000054
  • Brady, A., & Paczewski, M. (2019). Ethical considerations in healthcare resource allocation. American Journal of Bioethics, 19(3), 19-29. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2018.1537360
  • Corless, J., Mullins, S., & McGowan, K. (2020). Policy-making in healthcare: Ethical dilemmas and solutions. Health Policy and Ethics, 15(4), 304-312. https://doi.org/10.15412/J.health-polic.2020.154
  • Happell, B., Gough, S., & Platania-Phung, C. (2019). Nurse burnout and retention: Strategies for change. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(13-14), 2597-2606. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14907
  • Whitehead, D., & Ray, S. (2020). Ethical decision-making in healthcare management. Bioethical Perspectives, 8(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1177/1477750919873210

Related Assignments