Review the Institute of Medicine’s 2010 report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” Write a 750-1,000 word paper discussing the influence of the IOM report on nursing practice. Include the following: Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, titled “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,” published in 2010, has had a profound impact on the nursing profession. This report provided a comprehensive analysis of the current state of nursing and made recommendations for the future, aiming to transform nursing practice, education, and leadership to improve the quality of healthcare in the United States. Since its release, the IOM report has significantly influenced nursing practice in several key areas.
One of the significant influences of the IOM report on nursing practice is its emphasis on nurses as key contributors to healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. The report recognized that nurses are the largest group of healthcare professionals and are often the frontline caregivers, providing the majority of patient care. Consequently, the IOM report called for an increased role for nurses in healthcare decision-making, policy development, and leadership positions. This recognition has led to increased opportunities for nurses to shape healthcare policies and practices, allowing them to have a greater impact on patient care and health outcomes.
Furthermore, the IOM report highlighted the need to enhance the educational preparation of nurses. The report advocated for increasing the proportion of nurses with a baccalaureate degree to 80% by 2020, as multiple research studies have shown a positive correlation between higher levels of education and improved patient outcomes. This recommendation has propelled the nursing profession towards greater academic achievement and promoted the value of higher education for nurses. As a result, many healthcare institutions and universities have implemented initiatives to support nurses in pursuing advanced degrees, leading to an increase in the number of nurses obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
In addition to enhancing education, the IOM report underscored the importance of lifelong learning and continuing education for nurses. The report emphasized that nurses should be competent and knowledgeable in current best practices and advances in healthcare. In response to this recommendation, nursing organizations and institutions have developed numerous educational opportunities and resources to support nurses in staying updated with the latest evidence-based practices. Furthermore, the implementation of electronic health records and other technological advancements in healthcare has increased the need for nurses to continually develop their skills to effectively utilize these technologies.
Another critical influence of the IOM report on nursing practice is its focus on interprofessional collaboration and teamwork. The report stressed the importance of teamwork and cooperation between healthcare professionals to maximize patient outcomes. It called for healthcare organizations to promote a culture of collaboration and remove barriers that hinder effective teamwork. As a result, healthcare institutions have implemented collaborative practices, such as interdisciplinary rounds and team-based care models, to foster communication and collaboration between healthcare professionals. These changes have improved interprofessional relationships and resulted in better coordination of care, leading to improved patient safety and outcomes.
Furthermore, the IOM report addressed the need for a more diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce. It emphasized the importance of recruiting and retaining nurses from diverse backgrounds to better meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population. This recommendation has prompted nursing schools and healthcare organizations to develop strategies to promote diversity in nursing, including targeted recruitment efforts and cultural competency training for healthcare professionals. As a result, the nursing workforce has become more representative of the diverse populations it serves, leading to improved patient satisfaction and healthcare outcomes.
In conclusion, the IOM report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health” has had a significant influence on nursing practice. Its recommendations have led to changes in various aspects of nursing, including increased recognition of nurses’ contributions to healthcare, enhanced educational preparation, emphasis on lifelong learning, promotion of interprofessional collaboration, and efforts to create a more diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce. These changes have improved the quality of healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. The IOM report continues to serve as a foundation for ongoing efforts to transform nursing practice, education, and leadership to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.