Review Both Resources Provided Below In Addition To T 928069

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 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 healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US) are two of the most prominent and complex health systems globally, each with unique structures, funding mechanisms, and policy approaches. Reflecting on the key differences between these systems provides insight into their respective strengths and challenges and highlights opportunities for advanced practice nurses (APRNs) to serve as influential advocates for health system reform.

Key Difference 1: Funding and Accessibility

One of the most apparent distinctions between the UK and US health systems lies in their funding models and accessibility. The UK operates a publicly funded healthcare system known as the National Health Service (NHS), established in 1948, which provides comprehensive health services predominantly funded through taxation (UK Department of Health & Social Care, 2022). This system emphasizes universal coverage, ensuring that all residents have access to essential healthcare services regardless of their income or employment status. The NHS's core principle is equity, aiming to reduce disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

In contrast, the US employs a predominantly privatized healthcare system characterized by a mix of private insurance, employer-sponsored coverage, and government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Access to care is often linked to employment status and ability to pay, leading to significant disparities among socioeconomic groups (Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker, 2023). Despite recent efforts such as the Affordable Care Act, millions remain uninsured or underinsured, creating barriers to timely and adequate healthcare services.

Implication for APRNs: The difference in funding and accessibility translates to opportunities for APRNs to promote policies aimed at expanding coverage and reducing disparities. In the US context, APRNs can advocate for the development of policies that facilitate increased coverage through Medicaid expansion, the creation of safety-net programs, and the removal of scope-of-practice restrictions that limit their ability to serve underserved populations effectively (American Association of Nurse Practitioners [AANP], 2023).

Key Difference 2: Healthcare Delivery Models and Outcomes

The UK’s NHS emphasizes centralized, community-based, and integrated care models focusing on prevention, primary care, and efficient service delivery (UK Department of Health & Social Care, 2022). This approach often results in better population health outcomes, including lower mortality rates and higher life expectancy compared to the US. The NHS’s structure encourages collaboration among healthcare professionals and prioritizes cost-effective interventions. Evidence suggests the UK health system scores higher in areas such as patient satisfaction, preventive care, and health equity.

Conversely, the US health system is fragmented, with a focus on specialized and acute care, often driven by financial incentives. This fragmentation contributes to higher healthcare costs—approximately 17.7% of GDP, significantly above the OECD average—and disparities in health outcomes (OECD, 2022). The emphasis on specialty care, combined with administrative complexities, results in inefficiencies and disparities, especially among minority and low-income populations.

Implication for APRNs: Advanced practice nurses are positioned to influence care delivery models toward more integrated, patient-centered approaches. They can lead community health initiatives, promote primary care expansion, and implement preventive strategies. Advocating for policies that incentivize integrated care models and value-based reimbursement can improve health outcomes and reduce costs.

Opportunities for Advocacy and Political Intervention

Advanced practice nurses possess a vital role in influencing health policy through advocacy, leadership, and education. Several opportunities emerge for APRNs to advocate for reforms aligned with improving system efficiency, equity, and patient outcomes.

Firstly, APRNs can champion expanded scope of practice laws, allowing them to provide a broader range of services independently, thereby addressing primary care shortages and increasing access, especially in rural and underserved areas (AANP, 2023). Evidence indicates that states granting full practice authority see improved healthcare access and delivery outcomes.

Secondly, APRNs can influence policy development focused on social determinants of health, recognizing that health outcomes are deeply affected by socioeconomic, environmental, and community factors. By advocating for policies that address housing, education, income inequality, and community development, APRNs can foster healthier communities (World Health Organization [WHO], 2022).

Thirdly, APRNs can participate actively in legislative and regulatory processes to shape healthcare financing reforms. This includes advocating for Medicare-for-all proposals, Medicaid expansion, and innovative payment models that incentivize value over volume (Kaiser Family Foundation [KFF], 2023). Their firsthand clinical experience and patient interactions position them as credible voices in these policy dialogues.

Finally, global health perspectives and lessons from the UK’s NHS can inform domestic reforms. APRNs can promote integrated care models, emphasizing primary and preventive care, which exemplify cost-effective, equitable healthcare delivery (UK Department of Health & Social Care, 2022).

Conclusion

The fundamental differences between the UK and US healthcare systems—particularly in funding and care delivery models—highlight areas for strategic intervention by advanced practice nurses. The UK’s universal, publicly funded system contrasts with the US’s fragmented, market-driven approach, influencing health outcomes, costs, and equity. APRNs, as frontline healthcare providers and policy advocates, have significant opportunities to promote reforms that expand access, improve care coordination, and address social determinants of health. By leveraging legislative advocacy, leadership in care delivery, and community engagement, APRNs can be transformative agents in creating a more equitable, sustainable, and effective health system.

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2023). State Practice Environment. https://www.aanp.org/advocacy/state/state-practice-environment

Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). (2023). Policy Options for Improving Health Care Access. https://www.kff.org

OECD. (2022). Health at a Glance. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/health_glance-2022-en

Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker. (2023). How Does the US Compare with Other Countries? https://www.healthsystemtracker.org

UK Department of Health & Social Care. (2022). The NHS Long Term Plan. https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care

World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Social Determinants of Health. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health