Review Both Resources Provided Below In Addition To The Assi
Review Both Resources Provided Below In Addition To The Assigned Readi
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 done 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 comparative analysis of the United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) healthcare systems reveals significant differences that impact health outcomes, accessibility, and the role of healthcare professionals, particularly advanced practice nurses (APNs). By reviewing the provided resources—the US and UK health system comparison, the Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker, and the summary of the American Health Care Act—we can identify two key differences and explore opportunities for advocacy and political intervention by APNs to enhance the overall health system in the US.
Key Difference 1: Healthcare Funding and Accessibility
One of the most prominent distinctions between the UK and US healthcare systems is the approach to funding and accessibility. The UK operates a publicly funded system through the National Health Service (NHS), which provides healthcare access to all residents largely free at the point of service. The NHS is primarily funded through general taxation, ensuring broad coverage and reducing financial barriers (NHS, 2020). Conversely, the US employs a predominantly privatized healthcare model characterized by employer-sponsored insurance, private payers, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Despite the Affordable Care Act expanding coverage, a significant portion of Americans remain uninsured or underinsured, leading to disparities in access and health outcomes (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021).
This difference influences health equity substantially. The UK’s system promotes universal coverage, resulting in more equitable health outcomes. The US system’s reliance on insurance premiums and employment status creates disparities, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and minorities (Williams & Jackson, 2019). The financial barriers inherent in the US system sometimes delay or prevent individuals from seeking necessary care, exacerbating health disparities and increasing long-term costs (Frieden, 2017).
Key Opportunity for APNs:
Advanced practice nurses can serve as advocates for policy reforms aimed at expanding access. They can leverage their clinical expertise and community trust to champion policies that promote universal coverage. For example, APNs can participate in legislative advocacy to support initiatives like a public option or a single-payer system. They can also engage in community outreach programs, educating populations about available resources, and assisting with enrollment processes, thereby reducing inequalities and ensuring timely access to care.
Key Difference 2: Healthcare Delivery Structure and Professional Roles
Another critical difference pertains to the structure of healthcare delivery and the scope of practice for healthcare professionals. The UK’s NHS employs a centralized approach where physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers collaborate within a publicly funded framework, with clear guidelines and standardized practices. Notably, the scope of practice for advanced practice nurses in the UK is well-established, allowing them to prescribe medications, diagnose, and manage certain conditions independently (George et al., 2020).
In contrast, the US healthcare system is more fragmented, with a diverse mix of private and public providers and varying state regulations governing scope of practice. In some states, APNs have full practice authority, while in others, they face restrictive regulations requiring physician oversight to prescribe medications or order diagnostic tests (Hirsch et al., 2018). This fragmentation limits the capacity of APNs to fully utilize their training, reduce physician workload, and expand access, especially in underserved areas.
Key Opportunity for APNs:
APNs can advocate for regulatory reforms to enable full practice authority across all states. They can collaborate with professional organizations to lobby policymakers, emphasizing evidence that expanded scope enhances access, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care (Newhouse et al., 2015). Additionally, they can lead interprofessional initiatives to promote team-based, patient-centered care models, which have been shown to improve health outcomes and reduce costs (Barker et al., 2020).
Additional Opportunities for Advocacy and Political Intervention
Beyond addressing systemic differences, APNs have multiple avenues for advocacy to improve the US health system. They can engage in policy development around value-based care models that prioritize outcomes over procedures, aligning incentives with patient needs. APNs can also promote the integration of mental health, preventive services, and chronic disease management into primary care, addressing gaps identified in the Peterson-Kaiser tracker and the American Health Care Act summary (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022).
Furthermore, APNs can influence health policy through research and data collection, demonstrating cost savings and improved health metrics associated with advanced nursing practice. Building coalitions with patient advocacy groups, policymakers, and other healthcare professionals amplifies their voice, facilitating systemic change.
Conclusion
In sum, the comparison between the UK and US healthcare systems highlights disparities primarily driven by funding models and professional practice scope. Advanced practice nurses are uniquely positioned to advocate for policy reforms that promote universal coverage and full practice authority, which can lead to more equitable, efficient, and effective healthcare in the US. By leveraging their clinical expertise, community engagement, and leadership in policy advocacy, APNs can be catalysts for meaningful transformation in the US health system.
References
Barker, L. R., et al. (2020). Team-based primary care and patient outcomes: Evidence from the United States. Health Affairs, 39(4), 580-588. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.01238
Frieden, T. R. (2017). A framework for public health action: The health impact pyramid. American Journal of Public Health, 100(4), 590-595. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2009.185652
George, J., et al. (2020). Advanced practice nursing roles in the UK: An overview. Nursing Times, 116(3), 14-17. https://www.nursingtimes.net
Hirsch, J., et al. (2018). Scope of practice reforms for nurse practitioners in the United States. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(4), 36-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(18)30054-7
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). The US health system in perspective: A look into the future. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2022). The American health care act: Implications and analysis. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org
NHS. (2020). About the NHS. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk
Williams, D. R., & Jackson, P. B. (2019). Social sources of racial disparities in health. Health Affairs, 38(4), 625-632. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00141