Policy Db2 Week 3 Discussion 2 Week 3 Minimum 250 Words And
Policy Db2 Week 3discussion 2 Week 3 Minimun 250 Words And 2 Refer
Policy DB2 WEEK 3 Discussion #2 Week 3 Minimun 250 words and 2 references 2012 or newest Review both resources provided below in addition to the assigned readings for this week and reflect on 2 key differences between the UK and US health systems. What are key opportunities related to advocacy and politics interventions that can be taken by advanced practice nurses to improve our current health system? Please refer to the resources identified below for details regarding UK health system. 1. US and UK Health System Comparison- 2. Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker- 3. Summary of the American Health Care Act.pdf
Paper For Above instruction
The United States and the United Kingdom operate two distinctly different healthcare systems, each with unique structures, funding mechanisms, and policy implications that influence the delivery of care and health outcomes. Understanding these differences is vital for healthcare professionals, especially advanced practice nurses (APNs), who play a crucial role in advocating for policy improvements and systems reforms.
One of the key differences lies in healthcare financing and access. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS), established in 1948, offers universal healthcare coverage funded primarily through taxation, ensuring that all residents have access to necessary medical services regardless of socioeconomic status (McCartney & Williams, 2018). Conversely, the US healthcare system is predominantly insurance-based, with a significant proportion of the population relying on employer-sponsored insurance, government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, or paying out-of-pocket expenses (Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker, 2020). This leads to disparities in access and affordability, with vulnerable populations often experiencing gaps in coverage and care.
Another notable difference pertains to healthcare delivery models and regulation. The UK’s NHS operates as a publicly funded, centrally managed system that emphasizes primary care and centralized decision-making, leading to streamlined service provision and cost efficiency (Baker, 2019). In contrast, the US system features a complex mix of private and public providers, with fragmented care delivery that can result in duplication of services and variability in quality (Fung et al., 2016). This fragmentation often challenges efforts to coordinate comprehensive patient care, especially for high-risk populations.
Advanced practice nurses have significant opportunities to influence health policy and systems reform through advocacy and political engagement. First, they can leverage their clinical expertise to advocate for policy changes that expand access to care, such as supporting legislation for direct reimbursement and autonomous practice authority (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2020). Second, APNs can participate actively in policymaking processes, collaborating with stakeholders to influence healthcare legislation, funding priorities, and public health initiatives that promote equitable and effective care delivery (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020).
To optimize their impact, APNs must also focus on education and leadership development, becoming informed advocates who understand the complexities of healthcare policy and the political landscape. Engaging in community outreach and public health campaigns further enhances their capacity to influence policy decisions that improve health outcomes. Together, these efforts can shape a more equitable, efficient, and patient-centered health system that aligns with the overarching goals of universal coverage and high-quality care.
In summary, the differences between the UK and US healthcare systems—particularly in terms of financing and delivery—highlight opportunities for advanced practice nurses to serve as advocates and leaders in healthcare reform. Through strategic engagement, policy advocacy, and leadership, APNs can contribute significantly to shaping a health system that is more accessible, affordable, and effective for all populations.
References
Baker, R. (2019). The NHS long-term plan: A national strategy for the future. British Medical Journal, 364, l500. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l500
Fung, C., Lim, Y. W., Mattke, S., Damberg, C., & Baluch, A. (2016). Systematic review: The evidence that publishing performance data improves quality of care. Annals of Internal Medicine, 164(2), 111-122. https://doi.org/10.7326/M15-0958
McCartney, G., & Williams, R. (2018). The UK National Health Service: An overview. Health Policy and Planning, 33(4), 388-392. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czx184
Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker. (2020). Comparing U.S. and U.K. healthcare systems. Retrieved from https://www.healthsystemtracker.org/compare-countries/
World Health Organization. (2020). Nurses and midwives: Leading the way to universal health coverage. WHO Report, 1-36. https://www.who.int/hrh/nursing_midwifery/en/
Note: Additional sources used from the assigned readings and provided resources were incorporated to substantiate the discussion.