Based on your reading in chapter 60, why do you think the issues presented in this chapter persist in today’s workforce culture? These are the book Mason, D. J., Gardner, B. D., Outlaw, H. F., & O’Grady, T. E. (2016). Policy and Politics: In Nursing and Health Care. (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Saunders. ISBN: 978-0-323-24144-1 – American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). ISBN: 9781433832154
The issues presented in Chapter 60 of Mason et al.’s (2016) book “Policy and Politics: In Nursing and Health Care” are still prevalent in today’s workforce culture due to a variety of factors. This chapter discusses the impact of political and policy issues on the nursing profession and healthcare as a whole. It addresses issues such as workforce shortage, access to care, reimbursement challenges, and the influence of interest groups. These issues persist because they are deeply entrenched in the structure and dynamics of the healthcare system, as well as broader societal factors.
Firstly, the workforce shortage in the nursing profession continues to be a significant challenge. This shortage is driven by factors such as an aging population, increased demand for healthcare services, and inadequate pipeline for nursing education. Despite efforts to address this issue, there is still a significant gap between the supply and demand of nursing professionals. This shortage not only puts a strain on the existing workforce but also compromises patient care outcomes.
Secondly, access to care remains a persistent issue in today’s healthcare system. Disparities in access to care are influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and insurance coverage. Although there have been initiatives to improve access to care, such as the Affordable Care Act in the United States, barriers still exist, especially for vulnerable populations. These barriers include limited transportation options, shortage of healthcare providers in rural areas, and high costs of care.
Furthermore, reimbursement challenges persist in the healthcare system. The complex nature of reimbursement systems, including insurance coverage and payment models, creates financial barriers for both healthcare providers and patients. Healthcare providers face challenges in obtaining appropriate reimbursement for services rendered, which can impact their financial viability and ability to deliver quality care. Patients, on the other hand, may face difficulties in navigating insurance coverage and dealing with out-of-pocket costs, leading to potential delays or avoidance of necessary care.
Additionally, the influence of interest groups on policymaking and healthcare delivery continues to shape the landscape of the healthcare system. Interest groups represent various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups. These groups exert their influence through lobbying, campaign contributions, and other political activities to advance their interests. The power dynamics resulting from the influence of interest groups can lead to policies that may not always prioritize the best interests of patients or healthcare providers.
These issues persist in today’s workforce culture because they are deeply rooted in the structure, dynamics, and power relationships of the healthcare system and society as a whole. The healthcare system is complex and multifaceted, involving multiple stakeholders, competing interests, and intricate policies. Addressing these issues requires collaboration and collective efforts from policymakers, healthcare organizations, healthcare providers, and the larger society.
In conclusion, the issues presented in Chapter 60 continue to persist in today’s workforce culture due to a combination of workforce shortage, access to care challenges, reimbursement issues, and the influence of interest groups. These issues are deeply rooted in the structure and dynamics of the healthcare system and broader societal factors. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive and collaborative efforts to ensure a sustainable and equitable healthcare system that prioritizes patient care outcomes.