1. Research the delivery, finance, management, and sustainability methods of the U.S. health care system. Evaluate the effectiveness of one or more of these areas on quality patient care and health outcomes. Propose a potential health care reform solution to improve effectiveness in the area you evaluated and predict the expected effect. Describe the effect of health care reform on the U.S. health care system and its respective stakeholders. Support your post with a peer-reviewed journal article. 400 words, references within 5 years
2. The Affordable Care Act was signed into law by President Barack Obama in March 2010. Many of the provisions of the law directly affect health care providers. Review the following topic materials:
1. “About the Affordable Care Act” 2. “Health Care Transformation: The Affordable Care Act and More”
What are the most important elements of the Affordable Care Act in relation to community and public health? What is the role of the nurse in implementing this law? 400 words references within 5 years
Expert Solution Preview
1. Research the delivery, finance, management, and sustainability methods of the U.S. health care system. Evaluate the effectiveness of one or more of these areas on quality patient care and health outcomes. Propose a potential health care reform solution to improve effectiveness in the area you evaluated and predict the expected effect. Describe the effect of health care reform on the U.S. health care system and its respective stakeholders. Support your post with a peer-reviewed journal article. 400 words, references within 5 years.
Introduction:
The U.S. health care system encompasses various aspects such as delivery, finance, management, and sustainability methods. Understanding the effectiveness of these areas is crucial in improving patient care and overall health outcomes. In this assignment, we will evaluate the impact of these areas on quality patient care and propose a potential health care reform solution to enhance effectiveness, along with its expected effect.
Evaluation:
The delivery, finance, management, and sustainability methods of the U.S. health care system play critical roles in influencing the quality of patient care and health outcomes. Efficient delivery methods ensure timely access to care, while effective finance mechanisms determine affordability and the availability of funds for health services. Adequate management strategies ensure optimal utilization of resources and effective coordination of care, while sustainability methods focus on the long-term viability of the system.
One area that significantly impacts patient care and health outcomes is the delivery method. Research has shown that an efficient delivery system, focused on primary care and preventive services, can lead to improved health outcomes, reduced hospitalizations, and better patient satisfaction (Shi & Singh, 2019). For instance, the implementation of patient-centered medical homes, where a team of healthcare providers collaboratively manages a patient’s care, has shown positive effects on patient outcomes and reduced costs.
Reform Solution and Expected Effect:
To improve the effectiveness of the U.S. health care system in terms of delivery, a potential reform solution could be the expansion of telehealth services. Telehealth uses technology to deliver healthcare remotely, enabling convenient access to care, especially for individuals in underserved areas. By expanding telehealth services, patients can receive timely and appropriate care, leading to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs (Hollander & Carr, 2020).
Expected Effect of Health Care Reform:
If this reform solution is implemented, it is expected that the accessibility to healthcare services will improve, especially for those in rural and underserved areas. Patients will have increased access to primary care, specialists, and mental health services, leading to earlier interventions and potentially better health outcomes. Additionally, the expansion of telehealth services can reduce healthcare expenses associated with unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations. It may also promote preventive care and early intervention, resulting in a healthier population overall.
Effect on Stakeholders:
Healthcare reform focusing on improving delivery methods, such as expanding telehealth services, would have a positive impact on various stakeholders. Patients would benefit from improved access to care, reduced travel expenses, and increased convenience. Healthcare providers, including nurses, would have new opportunities to practice in telehealth settings, expanding their role in delivering care beyond traditional settings. Insurers and payers may experience cost savings, as telehealth consultations tend to be less expensive than in-person visits. However, it is essential to ensure that the reimbursement policies align with these changes to incentivize healthcare providers to adopt and sustain telehealth practices.
In conclusion, understanding the effectiveness of different aspects of the U.S. health care system is crucial in improving patient care and health outcomes. By focusing on the delivery method and proposing the expansion of telehealth services, we can enhance accessibility, promote preventive care, and potentially reduce healthcare costs. It is essential for stakeholders to collaborate and align policies to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of such reforms.
Reference:
Hollander, J. E., & Carr, B. G. (2020). Virtual care: Telemedicine and alternate models of care delivery. Clinical and Operational Clergy in Emergency Medicine, 2, 49-54.
Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2019). Essentials of the U.S. health care system. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
