For this Assignment, review the following: To prepare for this Assignment: Write a 2- to 3-page paper utilizing the health care policy you selected in Week 1 and 2. Respond to the following prompts: Support your ideas or those of others with references from the professional nursing literature. Refer to the prior to submission.
Title: The Impact of Health Care Policy on Nursing Practice and Patient Care
Introduction:
Health care policies play a crucial role in shaping the delivery of nursing practice and patient care. Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare delivery and are directly impacted by policies governing their practice. This paper will examine the impact of a specific health care policy on nursing practice and patient care, focusing on the selected policy from Week 1 and 2.
Policy Description:
The selected health care policy is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. The ACA was implemented in 2010 with the aim of increasing access to affordable health insurance coverage, improving the quality of care, and reducing healthcare costs in the United States. The policy introduced significant changes, including the expansion of Medicaid, the creation of health insurance exchanges, and the establishment of essential health benefits.
Impact on Nursing Practice:
The ACA has had a significant impact on nursing practice. One of the key provisions of the ACA was the expansion of Medicaid, which provided health insurance coverage to millions of previously uninsured individuals. This expansion increased the demand for nursing services, as more individuals sought healthcare services. Nurses have played a vital role in providing primary care services, health promotion, and disease prevention to this expanded population.
Furthermore, the ACA also emphasized the importance of preventive care and wellness promotion. As a result, many nursing interventions shifted from a reactive approach to a proactive one, focusing on preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles. Nurses have been at the forefront of implementing preventive measures, such as educating patients about the importance of screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle modifications.
The ACA also introduced several initiatives to improve the quality of care, such as the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program and the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program. These programs incentivize hospitals to deliver high-quality care and reduce preventable readmissions. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring the implementation of evidence-based practices and care coordination, which are essential for achieving these quality goals.
However, the ACA also brought challenges for nursing practice. The increased number of insured individuals, coupled with the physician shortage, has led to an increased demand for nurse practitioners (NPs) and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). The ACA recognized the importance of NPs and APRNs in meeting the primary care needs of the population and allowed them to practice to the full extent of their education and training. This policy change created new opportunities for nursing practice, but also highlighted the need for expanded scope of practice laws and support for NP and APRN autonomy.
Impact on Patient Care:
The ACA has had a transformative impact on patient care. By expanding insurance coverage, the ACA has enabled individuals to access necessary healthcare services, including preventive care, primary care, and specialized care. Patients who were previously uninsured or underinsured now have more options for healthcare services and greater financial protection.
The ACA has also led to improved coordination of care through initiatives such as accountable care organizations (ACOs) and medical homes. These models of care aim to improve care coordination and communication between healthcare providers, leading to better patient outcomes. Nurses, as integral members of healthcare teams, have played a significant role in implementing these care models and ensuring seamless transitions of care for patients.
Additionally, the ACA has focused on patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making and the involvement of patients in their care. This shift has empowered patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions, leading to improved patient satisfaction and engagement.
Conclusion:
The ACA has had a profound impact on nursing practice and patient care. By expanding access to affordable health insurance coverage, improving the quality of care, and emphasizing preventive care, the ACA has transformed the healthcare landscape. Nurses have embraced these changes, playing a pivotal role in implementing the policy and delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. However, challenges remain, including the need for expanded scope of practice laws and continued support for nursing autonomy to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.