NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 1 – Evolution of the U.S. Healthcare System

NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 1 – Evolution of the U.S. Healthcare System

Discuss the transformation of the U.S. healthcare system over time. Analyze the impact of the shift towards value-based healthcare on care delivery and the evolving role and responsibilities of advanced registered nurses. Predict the major trends in healthcare delivery that will influence nursing practice and the role of advanced registered nurses in shaping the future of healthcare.

NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 1 – Evolution of the U.S. Healthcare System – Sample 1

Value-based healthcare, the increasing use of Telehealth, and an aging population are three prominent healthcare trends affecting nursing practice (Mensik, 2023). Although not always highlighted, the most significant current impact in my healthcare setting is the demand for more qualified nurses. Nursing shortages have become a global healthcare concern, with approximately 23 million nurses worldwide, and an estimated need for an additional 1.1 million nurses to address the gap (Muabbar & Alsharqi, 2021).

Week 4: Assignment DEVELOPING A SMALL NURSING INFORMATICS PROJECT FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION, PART 1 (CONTINUED)

Nurses constitute the largest segment of healthcare staff and represent around 40% of healthcare operational costs (ANA, n.d.). Unfortunately, nurses are often targeted for cost-cutting measures, impacting patient safety and outcomes (ANA, n.d.). Adequate nurse staffing is crucial for reducing mortality rates, minimizing length of stay, and preventing avoidable incidents like falls (ANA, n.d.). Ironically, attempts to reduce healthcare costs through nursing staff reductions can lead to increased costs due to patient injuries, longer hospital stays, and adverse outcomes.

Nursing shortages create a cascading effect. As nurse staffing levels decline, job dissatisfaction, burnout, and intentions to leave the profession increase (Muabbar & Alsharqi, 2021). Most nurses report moderate job dissatisfaction due to increased workloads and lack of support, which can ultimately lead to career changes (Muabbar & Alsharqi, 2021). This situation creates a vicious cycle, with declining nursing staff exacerbating workloads and further accelerating nurses’ departure from the profession.

Reference

ANA. (n.d.). Nurse Staffing Crisis. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nurse-staffing/nurse-staffing-crisis/

Mensik, H. (2023). Top healthcare trends of 2023. Healthcare Dive. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/top-healthcare-trends-2023/642270/.

Muabbar, H., & Alsharqi, O. (2021). The impact of short-term solutions of nursing shortage on nursing outcome, nurse perceived quality of care, and patient safety. American Journal of Nursing Research, 9(2), 35-44.

NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 1 – Evolution of the U.S. Healthcare System – Sample 2

The concept of value-based healthcare, with its focus on quality of care rather than quantity of patients, emerged as a significant development in healthcare reimbursement (DeCoudres, 2022). The Affordable Care Act (ACA) and similar legislation in the 2000s brought value-based healthcare to the forefront (DeCoudres, 2022). This approach aims to improve public health, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance outcomes (Teisberg, 2019).

Three notable healthcare trends impacting nursing are value-based healthcare, the expanding use of Telehealth, and an aging population (Mensik, 2023). While value-based care emphasizes patient-centered care and quality outcomes, it presents challenges for nurses. For instance, it increases the demand for timely documentation in electronic medical records (EMRs) (Brooks, 2020). Telehealth, which supports value-based care by improving accessibility, requires nurses to adapt to remote patient care, necessitating additional education and training.

References

Brooks, A. (2020). What impact does value-based care have on nurses? Rasmussen University. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/value-based-care-nursing/

DeCoudres, N. (2022). What is the history of value-based care? Arcadia. https://arcadia.io/resources/what-is-the-history-of-value-based-care.

Mensik, H. (2023). Top healthcare trends of 2023. Healthcare Dive. https://www.healthcaredive.com/news/top-healthcare-trends-2023/642270/.

Teisberg, E., Wallace, S., & O’Hara, S. (2019). Defining and implementing value-based health care. Academic Medicine, 95(5), 682–685. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000003122.

NUR-514 Topic 1 Discussion Question 1 – Evolution of the U.S. Healthcare System – Sample 3

Value-based healthcare, a payment model tied to the quality of care provided, has emerged as an alternative to fee-for-service reimbursement (Mason, 2021). This approach aims to contain healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes. It benefits patients by reducing out-of-pocket expenses and providers by rewarding quality care. For advanced registered nurses, it means delivering care with a focus on outcomes, aligning with initiatives that enhance patient care and reduce costs (Schrandt et al., 2017).

However, value-based healthcare also presents challenges, such as the demand for timely documentation in electronic medical records (EMRs) (Brooks, 2020). Telehealth, which complements value-based care, extends care accessibility but requires nurses, including advanced practice nurses, to adapt to remote patient care (Brooks, 2020). This shift necessitates ongoing education and training.

Nursing shortages have been a critical issue, with many nurses leaving the profession due to dissatisfaction (Gottlieb & Huber, 2016). Advanced registered nurses can play a vital role in retaining nurses by mentoring newly qualified ones and advocating for flexible scheduling (Buchan & Calman, 2020). Creating a positive work environment and ensuring scheduling flexibility can help improve job satisfaction and nurse retention.

References

Buchan & Calman (2016). Global healthcare issues and proposed solutions. Diversity and Equality in health and care, 15(2), 93-94.

Gottlieb, M. L., & Huber, D. L. (2016). Clinical leadership development and education for nurses: prospects and opportunities. Journal of healthcare leadership, pp7, 55. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5740995

Mason, D. (2021). The nursing profession: Development, Challenges, and Opportunities. Public Health and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Anthropology.

Schrandt, K., Hutsler, L., Bosc, J., Humbyrd, C., & DeClamp, M. (2020). Increase in healthcare Disparities: The Unintended Consequences of value-based medicine; lessons from the Total Joint Bundled Payments for Care Improvements.