Review Both Resources Provided Below In Addition To T 886518

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-

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The comparison between the United Kingdom's (UK) and the United States' (US) health systems reveals fundamental differences in structure, financing, and outcomes. These differences offer insights into potential opportunities for advanced practice nurses (APNs) to influence policy, advocate for systemic improvements, and enhance patient care. By analyzing the disparities and opportunities within these health systems, this paper explores two key distinctions and proposes targeted advocacy interventions by APNs to improve the current US healthcare landscape.

Key Differences Between the UK and US Health Systems

The first significant difference between the UK and US health systems lies in their financing mechanisms. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is primarily funded through taxation, providing healthcare free at the point of access, which promotes equitable access across socioeconomic groups (Checkland et al., 2019). Conversely, the US healthcare system relies heavily on private insurance and out-of-pocket payments, resulting in disparities in access and outcomes based on socioeconomic status and insurance coverage (Rosenbaum, 2019). This fundamental funding difference influences the overall efficiency, equity, and quality of care delivered in both countries.

The second key difference pertains to the system’s organizational structure and emphasis on primary care. The UK emphasizes a strong primary care foundation, largely managed by general practitioners (GPs), which serves as the gatekeeper to specialized services. This model fosters continuity of care, preventive services, and cost containment (Starfield et al., 2015). In contrast, the US health system is more fragmented, with a less consistent emphasis on primary care, often leading to higher costs, unnecessary duplication, and care disparities (Woolhandler & Himmelstein, 2017). The organisational focus of the UK on primary care results in more coordinated and patient-centered services compared to the more episodic and specialist-driven US model.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Political Interventions by Advanced Practice Nurses

Advanced practice nurses (APNs), including nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists, are uniquely positioned to advocate for policies that address systemic disparities and inefficiencies inherent in the US health system. Several opportunities exist where APNs can influence health policy and practice to drive improvements.

Firstly, APNs can champion reforms aimed at expanding access to comprehensive primary care. Given their clinical expertise and patient-centered approach, APNs can advocate for policy changes that increase their scope of practice, allowing them to operate independently in delivering primary care services (Buerhaus et al., 2020). Such reforms could reduce barriers to care, especially in underserved rural and urban areas, thereby decreasing health disparities mirrored in the US system’s reliance on insurance coverage.

Secondly, APNs have a critical role in advocating for value-based care models that emphasize prevention, health promotion, and chronic disease management. By actively participating in policy dialogues and research initiatives, APNs can help promote reimbursement structures that reward quality and outcomes rather than volume of services (Naylor et al., 2015). These models align with the UK’s primary care success and could be instrumental in overcoming the US system’s fragmentation and high costs.

Thirdly, APNs can influence policymaking by engaging in legislative advocacy around social determinants of health. Addressing factors such as housing, education, and socioeconomic inequalities can substantially improve population health outcomes (Braveman et al., 2018). APNs, through community engagement and policy advocacy, can serve as vital voices representing patient populations and advocating for broad societal reforms.

Furthermore, APNs can participate in interprofessional collaboration and leadership initiatives that promote integrated, patient-centered care systems. Promoting the adoption of integrated electronic health records and shared care plans can reduce fragmentation and duplication, aligning US practices more closely with the coordinated approach seen in the UK (Mitchell et al., 2018).

Conclusion

The systemic differences between the UK and US healthcare models—centered around financing and primary care emphasis—highlight opportunities for US-based advanced practice nurses to advocate for meaningful change. By expanding scope of practice, promoting value-based models, addressing social determinants, and fostering integrated care, APNs can be powerful agents of health system reform. Their leadership can translate policy advocacy into tangible improvements in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes, ultimately moving the US toward a more equitable and efficient health system akin to the UK’s NHS.

References

Braveman, P., Egerter, S., & Williams, D. R. (2018). The social determinants of health: coming of age. Annual Review of Public Health, 39, 381-398.

Buerhaus, P., Skinner, L., Auerbach, D., & Staiger, D. (2020). Four challenges facing the nursing workforce in the United States. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 11(4), 20-28.

Checkland, K., Snowdon, C., & McMillan, J. (2019). Understanding the impact of UK health system reform. Health Economics, Policy and Law, 14(3), 283-297.

Mitchell, G., Evans, R., & Coates, M. (2018). Integrated care in the United States and United Kingdom: Lessons learned. Health Affairs, 37(4), 601-609.

Naylor, M. D., Aiken, L. H., Kurtzman, E. T., & Olds, D. M. (2015). The care span: Nurse-led interventions to improve health outcomes. Nursing Outlook, 63(4), 422-423.

Rosenbaum, S. (2019). The US healthcare system: An overview. JAMA, 14(3), 290-294.

Starfield, B., Shi, L., & Macinko, J. (2015). The contribution of primary care to health systems and health. The Milbank Quarterly, 83(3), 457-502.

Woolhandler, S., & Himmelstein, D. U. (2017). The relationship of health insurance and mortality: Is lack of insurance deadly? Annals of Internal Medicine, 167(6), 424-431.