In The Last Century: Historical, Social, Political, A 279837

In The Last Century What Historical Social Political And Econom

1. In the last century, what historical, social, political, and economic trends and issues have influenced today’s health-care system?

2. What is the purpose and process of evaluating the three aspects of health care: structure, process, and outcome?

3. How does technology improve patient outcomes and the health-care system?

4. How can you intervene to improve quality of care and safety within the health-care system and at the bedside?

5. Select one nonprofit organization or one government agency that influences and advocates for quality improvement in the health-care system. Explore the website for your selected organization/agency and answer the following questions:

• What does the organization/agency do that supports the hallmarks of quality?

• What have been the results of their efforts for patients, facilities, the health-care delivery system, or the nursing profession?

• How has the organization/agency affected facilities where you are practicing and your own professional practice?

Paper For Above instruction

The past century has witnessed profound transformations in the healthcare system driven by a confluence of historical, social, political, and economic factors. These trends have not only reshaped healthcare delivery but also continually influence policies, funding, and public health priorities. This essay explores these dimensions, along with evaluation methodologies, technological impacts, interventions for quality improvement, and the role of a notable organization that advocates for healthcare excellence.

Historical, Social, Political, and Economic Influences

Historically, the 20th century marked the establishment of modern healthcare infrastructure, including the advent of antibiotics, vaccines, and healthcare legislation like the Social Security Act of 1935. The New Deal era emphasized social welfare programs, setting precedents for national healthcare initiatives. Politically, shifts toward universal healthcare, as seen with the Affordable Care Act in 2010, reflect ongoing efforts to expand access and reduce disparities. Social movements advocating for civil rights and patient rights directly influenced policies aimed at equity in care (Reinhardt, 2017).

Economically, factors such as rising healthcare costs, technological advancements, and the transition from fee-for-service to value-based care models have altered healthcare finance (Fitzgerald & Hockenberry, 2020). The globalization of health issues, including pandemics and cross-border health concerns, emphasizes the interconnectedness of health systems worldwide. Additionally, demographic shifts, notably aging populations, have increased demand for chronic disease management and long-term care services (Kumar & Preetha, 2012).

Evaluation of Healthcare: Structure, Process, and Outcome

The purpose of evaluating healthcare through the framework of structure, process, and outcome is to ensure quality and safety. Structure refers to the attributes of the settings where care occurs—facilities, staff qualifications, and equipment (Donabedian, 1988). Process involves the methods and procedures of care delivery, assessing whether evidence-based practices are followed. Outcomes measure the effects of healthcare on patients, such as improvements in health status or patient satisfaction (Donabedian, 1988).

This evaluation process aids in identifying gaps and implementing targeted improvements. For instance, analyzing structure may reveal staffing shortages; examining process might uncover deviations from clinical guidelines; evaluating outcomes can show whether interventions effectively improve patient health. Continuous assessment fosters a cycle of quality improvement essential for safe, effective care.

The Role of Technology in Healthcare Improvement

Technological innovations have dramatically enhanced patient outcomes and system efficiency. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) facilitate better information sharing, reducing errors and duplications (Buntin et al., 2011). Telemedicine broadens access, especially in rural areas, enabling remote monitoring and consultations, thereby improving chronic disease management (Dorsey & Topol, 2016). Advanced diagnostic tools, such as imaging and genomic technologies, support early detection and personalized treatment plans (Kobayashi et al., 2016).

Moreover, decision support systems embed evidence-based guidelines into workflows, assisting clinicians in making informed decisions. Wearable devices and mobile health apps encourage patient engagement and self-management, directly impacting outcomes. Overall, technology streamlines processes, enhances safety, and promotes patient-centered care (Riste et al., 2018).

Interventions to Improve Quality and Safety

Healthcare professionals can implement various interventions at the bedside and system level to enhance quality and safety. These include adherence to clinical protocols, fostering open communication among team members through SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), and practicing evidence-based medicine. Implementing checklists, like the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, reduces errors and improves surgical outcomes (Haynes et al., 2009).

Creating a culture of safety involves encouraging reporting of errors without fear of reprisal, which facilitates learning and process improvements. Continuous education and simulation training equip staff with necessary skills. Patient engagement strategies, such as shared decision-making, also contribute to safety and satisfaction. Such interventions require leadership support, ongoing assessment, and resource allocation.

Influence of a Healthcare Quality Organization: The Joint Commission

The Joint Commission (TJC) is a prominent nonprofit organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States. TJC promotes quality improvement by establishing standards that focus on safety, patient-centered care, and organizational effectiveness (The Joint Commission, 2022). Their accreditation process emphasizes continuous performance improvement, error prevention, and adherence to evidence-based practices.

Results of TJC’s efforts include measurable reductions in hospital-acquired infections, medication errors, and other preventable adverse events. Accreditation has been linked to improved patient outcomes, enhanced safety culture, and increased staff accountability. Facilities achieve high compliance with safety standards, leading to better care environments (Levinson et al., 2020).

In my practice setting, TJC’s standards have influenced policies around infection control, teamwork, and patient safety protocols. Such standards foster a proactive approach to quality, encouraging continuous monitoring and improvement. As a nurse, I observe that TJC accreditation standards promote a systematic emphasis on safety, which translates into higher quality care at the bedside.

Conclusion

Reflecting on the evolving healthcare landscape, it is evident that historical, social, political, and economic trends have profoundly shaped current practices. Evaluating healthcare through structure, process, and outcome ensures ongoing quality enhancement. Technology plays a vital role in advancing patient outcomes, while targeted interventions at the clinical level are crucial for safety. Organizations like The Joint Commission exemplify how structured advocacy and standards foster healthcare improvements, benefiting patients, providers, and systems alike. Continued engagement with these factors is essential as healthcare adapts to emerging challenges and opportunities.

References

• Buntin, M. B., Burke, M. F., Hoaglin, M. C., & Blumenthal, D. (2011). The benefits of health information technology: A review of the recent literature shows predominantly positive results. Health Affairs, 30(3), 464–471.
• Dorsey, E. R., & Topol, E. J. (2016). State of telehealth. New England Journal of Medicine, 375(2), 154–161.
• Fitzgerald, L., & Hockenberry, M. (2020). Economics of healthcare: An overview. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(3), 173–182.
• Kobayashi, T., Kodama, K., & Omori, T. (2016). Advances in diagnostic imaging and their impact on health care. Radiology Today, 17(4), 20–25.
• Kumar, S., & Preetha, G. S. (2012). Health promotion: An overview. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 37(1), 5–12.
• Levinson, W., Waller, M., & Duffy, T. (2020). Improving patient safety through accreditation standards. Journal of Healthcare Quality, 38(2), 102–109.
• Reinhardt, U. E. (2017). The long-term impact of health reforms. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 42(6), 883–899.
• Riste, L., et al. (2018). Technology and patient outcomes: Innovations in healthcare. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(6), e211.
• The Joint Commission. (2022). Improving safety and quality through accreditation. https://www.jointcommission.org