What Is The Difference Between A Protocol And Standard Of Ca ✓ Solved
What is the difference between a protocol, standard of care
What is the difference between a protocol, standard of care delivery, and policy at the practice, state, and federal level? Briefly outline each. What are the perceptions of the health care delivery system from the perspectives of patients, providers, payers, and policy makers? Discuss at least one perception from one of the populations listed: patient, provider, payer, and policy maker. Review of a Bill Assignment Select an active bill at the state or federal level that impacts the professional practice of nursing.
In a 3-4 page paper (excluding the title and reference pages), summarize the provisions of the bill and clearly explain what the bill will accomplish. The paper should be no more than 4 pages, typed in Times New Roman using 12-point font, and double-spaced with 1" margins. Your review of a bill paper should: discuss the major provisions of the bill; demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the legislation by explaining the background and all relevant facts; discuss any relevant history related to the legislation, pertinent votes, and issues that are stalling the legislation, etc.; use primary sources for this information; identify key supporters and those who do not support the bill; explain why some of these individuals support the bill and why some do not; explore the positions of the key stakeholders in the bill, both pros and cons; discuss how the bill would impact a nurse’s ability to provide safe and quality care or to practice to the highest scope of the nursing license; explain specific actions that nurses can take to assist with the passage or defeat of the legislation; use APA format, headings, and references as appropriate.
Paper For Above Instructions
The healthcare delivery system in the United States is complex, comprising various elements such as protocols, standards of care, and policies at different levels—practice, state, and federal. Understanding these components is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, as they navigate their roles within this system. This paper explores the differences between protocols, standards of care, and policies, followed by a discussion of perceptions from various stakeholders in the healthcare delivery system. Lastly, it reviews a specific piece of legislation impacting nursing practice.
Differences Between Protocols, Standards of Care, and Policies
A protocol is a detailed plan or set of guidelines intended to guide healthcare professionals in delivering care. It outlines specific procedures and interventions to achieve optimal outcomes for patients. For instance, a protocol may dictate the steps a nurse should follow when administering medications or managing a particular health condition.
On the other hand, a standard of care is a legal and ethical benchmark that outlines how a healthcare professional should act in a given situation. It is based on established practices, research, and the collective judgment of experienced practitioners in a specific field. Standards of care help protect patients and ensure that they receive appropriate and safe treatment.
Policies, however, are broader and encompass the principles and regulations established by organizations, states, or federal entities. Policies govern the entire delivery of healthcare services and can affect various aspects of healthcare, including access, quality, and safety. For example, healthcare policies might focus on insurance coverage, patient privacy regulations, or public health initiatives.
Perceptions of the Healthcare Delivery System
The perspectives of patients, providers, payers, and policymakers significantly shape the healthcare delivery system. Each group perceives the system differently based on their experiences, needs, and priorities.
From a patient's perspective, the healthcare delivery system can oftentimes be frustrating. Patients may feel overwhelmed by the complexities of navigating various insurance options and treatment pathways. The perception of the system being inaccessible or inequitable is a common concern. Additionally, patients may have apprehensions regarding the quality of care they receive, leading to increased anxiety during medical encounters.
Healthcare providers, including nurses, may perceive the system through the lens of workload and resources. Many providers report feeling exhausted due to high patient-to-nurse ratios, leading to concerns about the quality of care they can provide. Additionally, they may feel constrained by policies and regulations that affect their autonomy in decision-making.
Payers—typically insurance companies—focus on managing costs and ensuring profit margins. Their perception often leans toward controlling expenditure through various practices, which can sometimes lead to conflicts between cost management and quality of care delivery.
Policymakers, on the other hand, are concerned with equity, access, and overall health outcomes. Their decisions can address systemic issues, but they may also be influenced by lobbying from various groups, including providers, payers, and the public.
Review of Active Bill Impacting Nursing Practice
For this paper, the review focuses on the Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, a significant piece of legislation at the federal level. This bill aims to establish minimum nurse staffing levels in acute care hospitals to enhance patient safety and quality care.
The key provisions of the bill mandate that hospitals develop and implement staffing plans that ensure sufficient nursing personnel on each unit. The legislation emphasizes the importance of using patient acuity and needs as primary determinants for staffing levels. Furthermore, hospitals would be required to publicly report their staffing levels, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The act was introduced to address concerns stemming from research that demonstrates a correlation between higher nurse staffing levels and improved patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and fewer adverse events. Despite its clear intent, the bill has faced hurdles during the legislative process, including opposition from some hospital associations concerned about the financial implications of mandated staffing ratios.
Supporters of the bill include nursing organizations advocating for improved patient care and nurse welfare. They argue that appropriate staffing levels are essential for preventing nurse burnout and ensuring high-quality care delivery. However, some stakeholders, particularly those with financial interests in maintaining lower staffing ratios, have opposed the bill, arguing that it imposes excessive operational burdens on hospitals.
To support the passage of this legislation, nurses can engage in advocacy efforts. They might participate in grassroots lobbying campaigns, share personal stories to highlight the importance of the bill, and collaborate with professional organizations to mobilize support. By doing so, they can play an active role in shaping policies that directly impact their practice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the differences between protocols, standards of care, and policies is crucial for optimizing healthcare delivery. The perceptions of patients, providers, payers, and policymakers influence the functioning of this system significantly. Analyzing legislation like the Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act allows for insight into the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of care in nursing practice. Nurses have a critical role in advocating for policies that foster safe and effective patient care.
References
- Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2021). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice. Wolters Kluwer.
- Greenhalgh, T. (2019). How to implement evidence based health care. Wiley.
- U.S. Congress. (2021). Nurse Staffing Standards for Patient Safety and Quality Care Act. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov
- American Nurses Association. (2021). Position statement on staffing. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org
- The Joint Commission. (2020). The impact of nurse staffing on patient outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.jointcommission.org
- Powers, B. J., et al. (2020). Understanding the relationship between nurse staffing and patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Administration, 50(3), 145-150.
- National Nursing Workforce Survey. (2020). National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Retrieved from https://www.ncsbn.org
- Kovner, C., & Djukic, M. (2020). The impact of nursing on patient outcomes: A review of the evidence. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 450-457.
- World Health Organization. (2020). Nursing and midwifery: A global perspective. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). The role of nurses in healthcare reform. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov