Examine changes introduced to reform or restructure the U.S. health care delivery system. In a 1,000-1,250 word paper, discuss action taken for reform and restructuring and the role of the nurse within this changing environment.
Include the following:
- Outline a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation introduced to reform or restructure some aspect of the health care delivery system. Describe the effect of this on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility.
- Discuss how quality measures and pay for performance affect patient outcomes. Explain how these affect nursing practice and describe the expectations and responsibilities of the nursing role in these situations.
- Discuss professional nursing leadership and management roles that have arisen and how they are important in responding to emerging trends and in the promotion of patient safety and quality care in diverse health care settings.
- Research emerging trends. Predict two ways in which the practice of nursing and nursing roles will grow or transform within the next five years to respond to upcoming trends or predicted issues in health care.
You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
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Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The U.S. health care delivery system has undergone significant changes and reforms in recent years. These changes have aimed to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services. As a result, nurses have had to adapt and evolve in response to these changes. This paper will discuss the impact of a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility. Additionally, it will explore how quality measures and pay-for-performance initiatives affect patient outcomes and nursing practice. Furthermore, the paper will delve into the importance of professional nursing leadership and management roles in responding to emerging trends and promoting patient safety and quality care. Lastly, it will predict two ways in which the practice of nursing and nursing roles will transform within the next five years to address upcoming trends or predicted issues in healthcare.
Question 1:
Outline a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation introduced to reform or restructure some aspect of the health care delivery system. Describe the effect of this on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility.
Answer 1:
One of the significant health care laws introduced to reform and restructure the U.S. health care delivery system is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. The ACA was enacted in 2010 with the goal of expanding health insurance coverage and improving healthcare quality and affordability. This law had a profound impact on nursing practice and the role of nurses.
Under the ACA, more individuals gained access to healthcare coverage, resulting in an increase in the number of patients seeking care. This necessitated nurses to adjust their practice to accommodate the influx of patients. Nurses began to play a more prominent role in primary care settings, providing preventive care, health promotion, and chronic disease management. The increased emphasis on preventive care meant that nurses needed to develop skills in health education, counseling, and patient advocacy.
Moreover, the ACA introduced new standards for healthcare quality and patient safety. Nurses were encouraged to participate in quality improvement initiatives and to adhere to evidence-based practices. They became more involved in care coordination and the implementation of care transitions to ensure continuity and avoid unnecessary hospital readmissions. Nurses also played a crucial role in patient education and engagement to empower individuals to manage their own health effectively.
In terms of the nurse’s responsibilities, the ACA emphasized the importance of interprofessional collaboration and team-based care. Nurses were expected to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and coordinated care. They were encouraged to contribute to interdisciplinary care plans, engage in care coordination activities, and communicate effectively with patients and their families. Furthermore, the ACA emphasized the need for nurses to embrace cultural competency and provide care that is sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and needs of patients.
Question 2:
Discuss how quality measures and pay for performance affect patient outcomes. Explain how these affect nursing practice and describe the expectations and responsibilities of the nursing role in these situations.
Answer 2:
Quality measures and pay-for-performance initiatives have been implemented to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of healthcare delivery. Quality measures involve assessing and monitoring healthcare processes, structures, and outcomes to ensure that patients receive safe, effective, and high-quality care. Pay-for-performance programs link financial incentives to the achievement or improvement of certain quality measures.
These initiatives profoundly influence nursing practice. Nurses are responsible for delivering care that meets specific quality measures, and their performance directly affects patient outcomes. For instance, quality measures related to medication safety require nurses to accurately administer medications, monitor for adverse reactions, and provide patient education regarding desired outcomes and potential side effects. Compliance with such measures ensures patient safety and enhances the quality of care provided.
In pay-for-performance programs, the nursing role extends beyond traditional patient care responsibilities. Nurses are expected to actively engage in quality improvement efforts and demonstrate consistent adherence to evidence-based practice. They play a vital role in collecting and documenting data related to quality measures, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance. Nurses are instrumental in identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing best practices to enhance patient outcomes.
The expectations and responsibilities of nurses in these situations include staying updated with evidence-based guidelines and best practices, actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, and effectively communicating with interprofessional teams. Nurses must collaborate with colleagues to develop comprehensive care plans that incorporate quality measures and achieve desired patient outcomes. Additionally, they are responsible for educating patients and their families about the importance of quality measures, engaging them as partners in care, and promoting their active involvement in healthcare decision-making.
Question 3:
Discuss professional nursing leadership and management roles that have arisen and how they are important in responding to emerging trends and in the promotion of patient safety and quality care in diverse health care settings.
Answer 3:
Professional nursing leadership and management roles have become crucial in responding to emerging trends and promoting patient safety and quality care in diverse healthcare settings. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, these roles have expanded to address new challenges and opportunities.
One such leadership role is that of the nurse manager. Nurse managers are responsible for overseeing nursing units or departments, ensuring effective resource allocation, and coordinating the delivery of care. They play a pivotal role in responding to emerging trends by implementing evidence-based practices, monitoring performance, and facilitating continuous quality improvement. Nurse managers collaborate with other healthcare leaders to develop strategies for achieving patient safety and quality care goals.
Another leadership role that has emerged is that of the clinical nurse leader (CNL). CNLs are advanced practice nurses who possess expertise in a specific clinical area. They combine clinical knowledge with leadership skills to influence and drive change in patient care delivery. CNLs play a significant role in responding to emerging trends by translating evidence into practice, leading quality improvement initiatives, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. They act as change agents, fostering innovation and advocating for patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Furthermore, nursing executives and chief nursing officers (CNOs) have become increasingly important in healthcare organizations. These leadership roles focus on strategic planning, policy development, and the overall management of nursing services. Nursing executives play a critical role in responding to emerging trends by aligning nursing practice with organizational goals, promoting a culture of safety, and ensuring the provision of high-quality care across diverse healthcare settings. They advocate for resources, create supportive work environments, and champion the professional development of nurses to enhance patient safety and quality care.
In summary, nursing leadership and management roles have evolved to meet the challenges of the changing healthcare delivery system. Nurses in these roles are instrumental in responding to emerging trends, promoting patient safety, and ensuring high-quality care in diverse settings.
Question 4:
Research emerging trends. Predict two ways in which the practice of nursing and nursing roles will grow or transform within the next five years to respond to upcoming trends or predicted issues in healthcare.
Answer 4:
The practice of nursing and nursing roles are poised to grow and transform in response to upcoming trends and predicted issues in healthcare. Two potential ways in which nursing practice may evolve within the next five years are:
1. Increased focus on telehealth and telemedicine: With the advancements in technology and the growing importance of remote healthcare delivery, nursing roles are likely to expand to encompass telehealth and telemedicine. Nurses will be trained to effectively utilize virtual platforms to provide patient care, including remote assessments, monitoring, education, and counseling. They will play an essential role in coordinating virtual care, ensuring patient safety, and promoting continuity of care. Additionally, nurses will need to develop skills in effectively engaging and communicating with patients through telehealth technologies.
2. Emphasis on population health and community-based care: The shift towards population health and preventive care will require nurses to assume more significant roles in community-based care settings. Nurses will engage in health promotion and disease prevention activities, provide outreach and education to underserved populations, and collaborate with community stakeholders to address social determinants of health. They will work alongside other healthcare professionals to develop and implement interventions that improve health outcomes at the population level. Additionally, nurses will become key players in care coordination, bridging the gap between healthcare organizations and community resources.
In conclusion, the practice of nursing and nursing roles are expected to undergo significant change in response to emerging trends and predicted issues in healthcare. The increased utilization of telehealth and telemedicine, as well as the emphasis on population health and community-based care, will require nurses to adapt and expand their skill set to effectively meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.
