Analyze the history structure and process of health-care-policy and politics in nursing and the health care delivery systems in the United States.
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources
Analyzing the history, structure, and process of healthcare policy and politics in nursing, as well as the health care delivery systems in the United States, offers a comprehensive understanding of how these elements interact and influence the quality of care. This discussion will explore these facets with support from academic sources, adhering to APA style.
History
The history of healthcare policy in the United States is deeply intertwined with the political landscape and the development of nursing as a profession. From the establishment of the first hospital in the late 1700s to the introduction of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965, the role of nurses has evolved significantly. The involvement of nurses in policy-making has also grown, particularly after the establishment of the American Nurses Association (ANA) in 1911, which began to significantly influence health policy (Mason, Gardner, Outlaw, & O’Grady, 2016).
Structure
The structure of healthcare policy in the U.S. involves multiple stakeholders, including government entities (federal, state, and local), private health insurers, healthcare providers, and professional organizations like the ANA. The federal government plays a crucial role through agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which regulate and fund a significant portion of the healthcare system. State governments also regulate healthcare through their public health departments and regulation of health insurance markets.
Process
The process of healthcare policy-making is complex and involves the drafting, debating, and passing of legislation by both federal and state governments. Nurses and nurse practitioners have become integral to this process as advocates for public health issues and as policymakers. For instance, the Future of Nursing report published by the Institute of Medicine in 2010 led to significant advocacy efforts aimed at expanding the scope of practice for nurse practitioners, which has had a profound impact on healthcare delivery (Institute of Medicine, 2010).
Health Care Delivery Systems
The U.S. healthcare delivery system is characterized by a mixture of private and public funding sources, a wide variety of healthcare providers, and an emphasis on technological innovation and specialization in medicine. Hospitals, primary care clinics, long-term care facilities, and home health care comprise the primary delivery settings. The system faces challenges related to access, cost, and quality, which are often the focus of healthcare policies.
Nursing and Healthcare Delivery
Nurses play critical roles in the healthcare delivery system, not only by providing direct patient care but also by improving healthcare practices, conducting research, and leading organizational and system changes. The expansion of the role of nurses in primary care and specialty areas, including leadership roles, reflects the profession’s adaptability and commitment to improving patient care.
Conclusion
Understanding the history, structure, and process of healthcare policy, along with the intricacies of the healthcare delivery system in the United States, underscores the pivotal role that nurses play in shaping health outcomes. As advocates and practitioners, nurses must continue to engage in policy discussions and reforms to ensure a system that promotes health equity and access.
References
Mason, D. J., Gardner, D. B., Outlaw, F. H., & O’Grady, E. T. (2016). Policy & Politics in Nursing and Health Care (7th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
Institute of Medicine. (2010). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. The National Academies Press.