Examine Changes Introduced To Reform Or Restructure The U.S. ✓ Solved
Examine changes introduced to reform or restructure the U.S.
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.
Paper For Above Instructions
The U.S. healthcare delivery system is in a state of constant evolution due to reforms and restructuring aimed at improving efficiency, quality of care, and accessibility. The complex nature of these changes brings both challenges and opportunities for nursing practice. This paper will explore significant changes within the U.S. healthcare system, specifically focusing on the effects of federal regulations on nursing practice and predicting future transformations in the nursing profession.
Current Healthcare Reform: The Affordable Care Act
A landmark piece of legislation, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), enacted in 2010, introduced several reforms intended to restructure the healthcare delivery system. The ACA aims to improve healthcare access, control healthcare costs, and enhance the quality of care. Key components of the ACA include the expansion of Medicaid, the establishment of health insurance marketplaces, and the introduction of provisions that prevent denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions (Sommers et al., 2017).
Nursing Practice and the ACA
The ACA has significantly impacted nursing practice. As healthcare becomes more accessible, the demand for nursing services has increased. Nurses are now required to take on more responsibilities, including care coordination and patient education, as they help navigate patients through the complexities of the healthcare system (Kuehn, 2019). Consequently, nurses must enhance their skills in communication and collaboration, as effective teamwork is essential in delivering patient-centered care.
Quality Measures and Pay-for-Performance
Quality measures and pay-for-performance programs are central to the ACA's strategy to improve patient outcomes. These initiatives incentivize healthcare providers, including nurses, to deliver high-quality care while minimizing costs. Such programs assess performance based on various metrics, including patient satisfaction, readmission rates, and adherence to clinical guidelines (Bae et al., 2019).
For nurses, this shift emphasizes the importance of effective assessment and intervention strategies to prevent complications and enhance patient satisfaction. It demands continuous evaluation of patient care outcomes and promotes accountability among nursing staff (Gonzalez et al., 2019). As a result, nurses are expected to engage actively in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate competency in the metrics that influence reimbursement and care quality.
Professional Nursing Leadership and Management Roles
In response to the evolving healthcare landscape, there has been a notable emergence of leadership and management roles for nurses. As healthcare organizations adopt new technologies and innovative care protocols, nurses are increasingly positioned to lead initiatives that promote evidence-based practice and patient safety (Cummings et al., 2018). Nurse leaders play a critical role in influencing policy decisions, advocating for quality care, and leading multidisciplinary teams to achieve organizational goals.
Emerging Trends in Nursing Practice
As the healthcare system continues to evolve, emerging trends will shape the future of nursing practice. One major trend is the integration of technology into health care delivery. The rise of telehealth and digital health resources has transformed nursing roles, allowing nurses to provide care remotely and monitor patients’ health conditions (Bator et al., 2020). This shift emphasizes the need for nurses to develop technological competencies and adapt to new models of care delivery.
Another trend anticipated in the next five years is the focus on mental health and wellness. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of mental health services, leading to an increased demand for psychiatric nursing professionals. Nurses will need to be equipped with skills to address mental health issues among patients while collaborating closely with mental health professionals to deliver integrated care (Patterson et al., 2020).
Conclusion
In summary, the changes introduced to reform the U.S. healthcare delivery system, particularly through the ACA, have reshaped the role of nurses within this framework. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve with new regulations, quality measures, and emerging trends, nurses must be prepared to adapt and lead in providing high-quality care. The integration of technology and a focus on mental health will necessitate ongoing education and development, ensuring that nursing practice remains responsive to the needs of patients and the larger healthcare system.
References
- Bae, S. H., et al. (2019). "Impact of pay-for-performance on quality of care in acute care hospitals." Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(2), 136-145.
- Bator, D., et al. (2020). "Telehealth Nursing: The Future of Medication Management." Nursing Management, 51(9), 18-25.
- Cummings, G. G., et al. (2018). "The role of nurse leaders in promoting quality care in diverse health care settings." Journal of Nursing Management, 26(5), 601-611.
- Gonzalez, L., et al. (2019). "Assessing the impact of quality measures on nursing practice." Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 34(3), 224-231.
- Kuehn, B. M. (2019). "Nurses play key role in implementing ACA provisions." American Journal of Nursing, 119(6), 10-12.
- Patterson, P. D., et al. (2020). "Emphasizing mental health: Implications for nursing practice." Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 45(4), 606-612.
- Sommers, B. D., et al. (2017). "The Affordable Care Act and health insurance coverage in Massachusetts: Implications for the 2016 presidential election." Health Affairs, 36(12), 2231-2239.