In The Last Century: Historical, Social, Political, A 804248

In The Last Century What Historical Social Political And Econom

In the last century, what historical, social, political, and economic trends and issues have influenced today’s health-care system? What is the purpose and process of evaluating the three aspects of health care: structure, process, and outcome? How does technology improve patient outcomes and the health-care system? How can you intervene to improve quality of care and safety within the health-care system and at the bedside? 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 evolution of healthcare over the past century has been profoundly shaped by a multitude of historical, social, political, and economic factors. Understanding these influences is essential in appreciating current healthcare systems and forging pathways for future improvement. This essay explores these factors, the evaluation of healthcare quality, the impact of technology, interventions to enhance safety, and the role of a key healthcare organization advocating for quality improvement.

Historical, Social, Political, and Economic Influences on Modern Healthcare

Throughout the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, healthcare systems worldwide have been influenced by significant historical events and societal changes. The advent of antibiotics and vaccines in the early 20th century marked a turning point, vastly reducing mortality rates and establishing preventative medicine as a central component of healthcare. The Great Depression and subsequent economic reforms in the 1930s prompted increased government intervention in healthcare funding, leading to the creation of programs such as Social Security and Medicare in the United States, which aimed to improve access to care for vulnerable populations (Marmor, 2015).

Social movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and patient rights have further transformed healthcare policies and practices, promoting equitable access and culturally competent care. Politically, shifts in policy—such as the Affordable Care Act in 2010—have sought to expand coverage and contain costs, emphasizing value-based care models. Economically, globalization and rising healthcare costs have driven innovations in health technology and services, influencing healthcare delivery and funding structures. The rise of the pharmaceutical industry and biomedical research has led to new treatments, but also raised concerns regarding healthcare disparities and affordability (Berman & Park, 2019).

Evaluation of Healthcare: Structure, Process, and Outcome

The evaluation of healthcare quality often hinges on three interconnected aspects: structure, process, and outcome, as articulated in Donabedian's model (Donabedian, 1988). Structural evaluation examines the attributes of healthcare settings, including facilities, staff qualifications, and organizational resources. Process evaluation scrutinizes how care is delivered—such as adherence to clinical guidelines, communication, and patient engagement. Outcome assessment measures the results of care, including patient health status, satisfaction, and safety indicators. The purpose of this evaluation is to identify strengths and deficiencies, inform quality improvement initiatives, and ensure that care meets established standards. Process and outcome data are particularly vital in identifying gaps and guiding policy adjustments (AHRQ, 2019).

The Role of Technology in Improving Patient Outcomes and Healthcare Systems

Technological advancements have revolutionized healthcare delivery, enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Electronic health records (EHRs) facilitate information sharing among providers, reducing errors and duplications while improving care coordination (Buntin et al., 2011). Telemedicine expands access to care, particularly in remote areas, and supports chronic disease management through remote monitoring and virtual consultations (Dorsey & Topol, 2016). Medical devices and robotics improve precision in surgeries and diagnostics, leading to better outcomes. Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) enable predictive modeling, early detection of health issues, and personalized treatment plans, reducing hospital readmissions and improving safety (Rajkomar et al., 2019).

However, integrating technology also presents challenges such as data privacy concerns, high implementation costs, and the need for ongoing training. Despite these barriers, technological integration remains pivotal in optimizing healthcare and achieving better patient outcomes.

Interventions to Improve Quality of Care and Safety

Improving quality of care and safety in healthcare settings requires a multifaceted approach. Adherence to evidence-based practices, continuous staff education, and a culture of safety are fundamental. Implementing clinical protocols and checklists reduces errors, especially in high-risk areas such as surgery and medication administration (Haynes et al., 2009). Encouraging open communication among multidisciplinary teams fosters a safety culture where errors can be reported without fear, leading to systemic improvements.

At the bedside, empowering patients through education and involvement in their care enhances safety. Regular audits, root cause analysis of adverse events, and utilization of reporting systems enable healthcare organizations to identify patterns and implement corrective actions. Leadership commitment to quality improvement and safety standards, combined with data-driven decision-making, are critical for sustainable progress (Sorra et al., 2012).

Case Study: The Role of the Joint Commission in Healthcare Quality Improvement

The Joint Commission, a prominent nonprofit organization, plays a vital role in promoting healthcare quality and safety. It accredits and certifies healthcare organizations, setting standards that emphasize patient safety, care quality, and organizational management. The organization conducts rigorous evaluations, encourages compliance with evidence-based practices, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement (The Joint Commission, 2020).

Its efforts have led to measurable improvements in clinical outcomes, reduced error rates, and enhanced organizational accountability. For instance, Joint Commission accreditation has been associated with lower hospital mortality rates and better adherence to safety practices across numerous facilities (Hahn et al., 2014).

In my practice environment, the influence of the Joint Commission is evident through strict adherence to standards, regular safety drills, and ongoing staff education programs. These initiatives foster a safety-conscious culture and improve patient outcomes by reducing errors, infections, and adverse events. The organization's focus on patient-centered care and safety aligns with my professional commitment to delivering high-quality care.

References

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2019). Perspectives on healthcare quality and safety. AHRQ Publications.
• Berman, P., & Park, J. (2019). Healthcare disparities: Challenges and solutions. Journal of Health Policy, 45(3), 305-312.
• 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.
• Hahn, S. R., Jones, C. B., & Benning, S. D. (2014). The impact of accreditation by The Joint Commission on patient safety outcomes. Medical Care Research and Review, 71(4), 480-493.
• Haynes, A. B., Weiser, T. G., Berry, W. R., et al. (2009). A surgical safety checklist to reduce morbidity and mortality in a global population. New England Journal of Medicine, 360(5), 491-499.
• Marmor, T. (2015). The politics of Medicare. Milbank Quarterly, 93(3), 531-574.
• Rajkomar, A., Dean, J., & Pearce, J. (2019). Machine learning in medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(14), 1347-1358.
• Sorra, J. S., Nieva, V. F., & Stone, P. W. (2012). Advances in Patient Safety: New Directions and Alternative Approaches. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
• The Joint Commission. (2020). Comprehensive accreditation manual for hospitals. The Joint Commission.