nurs 4020 Provisions of Health Care Policy and Their Effects on Results and Patient Experiences

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A thorough review of the proposed changes is part of assessing the possible influence of a given healthcare policy on outcomes and patient experience. Typically, this process starts with recognizing significant structures and understanding their function. The impact of these programs on current patient populations and healthcare systems must then be considered. Better patient outcomes and experiences may result from policies that enhance reimbursement rates, expand access to affordable healthcare services, and encourage care coordination. The “Affordable Care Act (ACA)” is one healthcare policy that has improved patient outcomes. ACA has increased access to healthcare for millions of Americans by broadening insurance coverage and investing more money in primary care and preventive programs.

Care Coordination Presentation to Colleagues 

As a result, the ACA has improved health outcomes like fewer hospitalizations and better disease management (Andrews et al., 2019). Another policy, such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Acy (HIPAA), may hurt the healthcare system. Certain healthcare organizations and providers have criticized HIPAA laws as too complicated to implement. The requirements for complying can be time-consuming and expensive, taking resources away from patient care. Healthcare professionals subject to HIPAA may hesitate to provide information regarding outbreak clusters out of concern that they may break the law (Karim et al., 2022). Insightful policy interpretation requires taking into account potential adverse impacts. For instance, a policy change meant to improve access to care may unintentionally burden the system’s resources, lowering the standard of care and worsening patient experiences. On the other hand, a cost-cutting measure would exclude some treatments or operations which would impact patient outcomes. 

The Nurse’s Essential Function in Care Coordination and Continuity

Nurses can enhance patient outcomes by engaging with patients and their families, using clear communication and evidence-based practices. Additionally, nurses must be educated about the ethical standards and healthcare regulations for their patients. Nurses with a solid grasp of the fundamentals of care coordination can manage the care coordination process more successfully and enhance patient outcomes. As educators, nurses help patients make educated decisions about their care by providing important information about health issues, available treatments, and self-management techniques (Allard & Conroy, 2022). We may encourage nursing personnel to take on greater roles in monitoring the care coordination process in diverse healthcare settings by increasing awareness of the nurse’s critical role in care coordination. As a result, patient outcomes, overall care quality, and the effective use of healthcare resources improve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, care coordination affects patient outcomes and the standard of care and is a crucial component of nursing practice. By understanding the essential concepts of care coordination, nurses can effectively engage with patients and their families, manage change, make moral decisions, and negotiate healthcare policies. Drug-specific educational initiatives, health education, shared decision-making and collaborative goal-setting, and patient-centered communication are all strategies for efficient care coordination. It is critical to address change management issues, such as patient-centered care, that affect the patient experience. Coordination of care plans that take patient values and needs into account demands moral judgment. 

References

Allard, B. L., & Conroy, C. A. (2022). Our nursing profession at a crossroads. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 46(3), 208–217. https://doi.org/10.1097/naq.0000000000000536 

Andrews, C. M., Pollack, H. A., Abraham, A. J., Grogan, C. M., Bersamira, C. S., D’Aunno, T., & Friedmann, P. D. (2019). Medicaid coverage in substance use disorder treatment after the Affordable Care Act. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 102, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2019.04.002