StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare - Coursework Example

Cite this document
Summary
This paper “Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare” delineates health care policy in availing quality health care to all people. Implementing strategies to improve access to health care will benefit not only Missouri Citizens but also United States as a whole…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER93.7% of users find it useful
Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare"

Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare Introduction United States health care system continues to face many momentous challenges. Since the movement away from the heavy-handed managed care, expenditures have risen again quickly and the number of uninsured people has followed suit. New medical technologies are in great demand. Though America is good at measuring quality, most of the assessments of quality in health care and nursing show a high error rate. Socio economic factors such as education, poverty and lifestyle and the quality of health care systems are the two broad faces that have contributed to low and poor health in United States. It has been health care that has stirred national discourse and focused national attention for the past few years. During the intense debate over the health reform proposals that resulted in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 2010, we had a graphic illustration of how our health care and nursing system is made up of various organizations and groups that often cannot agree on how the system should be structured and strategies implemented. Scholars and researchers have tried to identify that quality health care is not accessible to all. This paper delineates health care policy in availing quality health care to all people. Implementing strategies to improve access to health care will benefit not only Missouri Citizens but also United States as a whole. House Bill 1467 “confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care” was introduced by the legislators to increase access to health care for all. Andersen, Rice and Kominski (2007) assert that ethnic and racial disparities are the major factors that promote inequality in access to health care. Some authors argue that racial disparities in medical treatment are rooted indiscrimination on the part of providers and health care systems, while others degree and posit that there is insufficient empirical evidence to support that the due to conscious or subconscious discrimination. This bill had been introduced and discussed in three meetings where no firm conclusions on its implementation were arrived at. A visit was made to the Missouri state capital to meet with policy makers and legislators on July 12th 2012. This was before the session came to a close. The meeting had been arranged by our tutor through mail. State Policymakers Involved in Policy Issue Our tutor’s efforts assisted this class project by contacting legislators; Erick Borch, John Williams and Eve Reeves, to be interviewed before the end of the legislative session. By interacting with the legislators, they gave their contact information such as their email addresses, cell phone numbers and postal addresses. Since associating is an imperative part in engagement processes, our tutor’s letter and follow up booked us an appointment with the legislators later the afternoon. Two of the interviews took place in the offices and at a lounge in the parliament. Conceptual Framework When commencing the interview, the theme of each question focused on the overall responsibilities of nurses and their imperative roles in United States health care system. This set the platform for the policy priority issue of improving access of health care to all. From the interview, it was apparent that the nurses have a significant role to play in improving access of health care to all. From the talk with the legislators, it was noted that some nurses do not want to work in the rural areas and that some of the nurses may discriminate against some of the races and communities when offering health care to patients. In reference to Andersen, Rice and Kominski (2007), advancing accessibility to health care is best attained by centering on the background and people. Background focuses on the situations and the circumstances surrounding health care accessibility. People are the key players in the contextual situations and circumstances. Health care access is a multifaceted phenomenon. It is surrounded by potential, realized and equitable access. Potential access is characterized by a possibility that the people within a given region may access health care if availed. A realized access is when the people within a given locality can access health care. In this regard, it means that the individuals in the area have adequate personnel and nurses. In history, United States experienced developing trends and strategies. Health care accessibility has been considered the primary objective of policy change. This dilemma can be solved by increasing the number of health care personnel or increasing the number of beds in the hospitals. Equitable access is delineated according to which determinants of realized access are dominant in predicting utilization. Historically, equitable access to health care by all has been delineated to occur when the demographic aspects are fully satisfied and considered in delivery of health care. Improving access to health care can be significantly eased by cohort of access strategies which emphasize the significance of background as well as people’s attributes in policies to improve access. For this reason, the nurses have the responsibility of availing health care to all. As according to Andersen, Rice and Kominski (2007), deploying more nurses to rural areas and increasing their incentives is a favorable recommendation to improve access to health care. In addition, Andersen, Rice and Kominski (2007) recommend that the nurses have a role to play in integrating all into the health care system. Inclusiveness is imperative in improving access to all. Increasing the number of nurses may help solve accessibility to health care. Andersen, Rice and Kominski (2007) denote that increasing the number of nurses may increase the number of nurses offering health care services to patients. Conveying the Policy Priority Message In passing on this policy priority message successfully, it was essential to consider all the facets of communication. The dress code was entirely professional, with close attention being paid to all communications. In interviewing, attentiveness is an imperative aspect which shows that one is interested in the topics. Since the legislators are always busy and time conscious, we were time conscious and had to respect their availability. In this regard, flip chart and power point presentations were not feasible and typed notes offered a reference point to guide the interview. Feedback from the Policymaker While going into the interview, it was anticipated that the legislators would call for further action to assist in availing health care to all. Upon visiting the Houser of representatives, it was apparent that there were many requests which had been tabled in the houses and would be impossible to request additional time for the house to debate on the issue. Alternatively, the legislators recommended that they would work hand in hand with the local government and the next house members to ensure that the policies were in place. Significance of an effective visit and follow up to Nursing Researchers have noted that advocacy is an essential principle in nursing practices. Needless to say, nurses are guardian angels who guard the patients. For this reason, a successful visit and follow up on nursing policies was of great benefit to the patients and the nation. Nurses have a responsibility in availing health care to all without any form of discrimination. Conclusion It is imperative to devise and come up with a way of meeting up with a legislator after coming up with effective policies. Lack of accessibility to health care is a major cause of deaths and increased effects of chronic diseases. Apprehending and reviewing the issues surrounding accessibility are the primary aspects of development. Not only will nurses will be affected by this policy, but also the citizens at large. References Andersen, R. M., Rice, T. H., & Kominski, G. F. (2007). Changing the U.S Health care system: Key Issues in Health Services Policy and Management. (3rd ed.). John Willey & Sons. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare Coursework - 1”, n.d.)
Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare Coursework - 1. Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/nursing/1455571-policy-and-politics-in-nursing-and-healthcare
(Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare Coursework - 1)
Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare Coursework - 1. https://studentshare.org/nursing/1455571-policy-and-politics-in-nursing-and-healthcare.
“Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare Coursework - 1”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/nursing/1455571-policy-and-politics-in-nursing-and-healthcare.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Policy and Politics in Nursing and Healthcare

A Model of Leadership in Nursing

This reduction contributed to the perception that nursing This paper aims to provide a model of leadership in nursing.... In 2002, nurses are in a distinct position to influence healthcare policy and legislation.... This definition remains constant whether it is nursing, medical or healthcare leadership.... Effective nursing leadership is the most important factors influencing the retention of nurses and the maintenance of quality nursing care....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

US HEALTH POLICY

However, 17% of the country's GDP is spent on healthcare, which is by far the highest anywhere in the world (CBO, 2010a).... They have to depend US Health Policy US Health Policy Features The US, unlike most of the other developed nations, does not offer universal healthcare insurance program.... However, 17% of the country's GDP is spent on healthcare, which is by far the highest anywhere in the world (CBO, 2010a).... imitations of the US Political SystemThe US political system has several limitations, especially concerning its healthcare policies....
1 Pages (250 words) Assignment

Exploring the Food in the University of Leicester

The problem of this research is to explore the extent to which the Food@Uni health education program have been successful in bring about the recommended changes among the students of the University of Leicester towards adopting a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle.... The… also aims to find the reason behind the reason that leads to disorder in the diet and lifestyle of the students of the University, locality and the community at large....
25 Pages (6250 words) Essay

Manpower Shortage in Healthcare Sector

The staffing ratio is one of the recommended strategies for staffing in nursing and involves the establishment of the minimum nurse to patient ratio that a facility should ensure at all times.... The paper "Manpower Shortage in healthcare Sector" states that the United States' department of health services has recommended a ratio of 1:6 at all times, though this recommendation was based on stakeholders' subjective opinions rather than on empirical results.... This identifies labor shortage in the nursing profession that this paper discusses, with a perspective that more accurate measures of nursing levels, than nursing ratios, exist....
1 Pages (250 words) Essay

Discrimination of Women Nurses in Qatar

Although women are equally educated in Qatar to assume the roles in various employment positions like nursing and other fields, the woman nurse interviewee ascertained that discrimination based on gender difference is a major constraint to ensuring gender equality in the nursing profession (Interview).... nbsp; The discrimination of women in nursing is better understood by first identifying the percentage of women participation in labor as recommended by the society....
8 Pages (2000 words) Essay

Healthcare Reform and Its Effect on Dual Coverage on Medicare and Medicaid

This work "healthcare Reform and Its Effect on Dual Coverage on Medicare and Medicaid" focuses on various reforms on health care and its effects on the elderly and those with dual coverage with an emphasis on quality and availability.... Medicaid program offers two types of coverage that includes "community Medicaid (covers those with little or no medical insurance) and Medicaid nursing home coverage (caters for all nursing home expenses for all those who are eligible)" (Thorpe & Philyaw, 2010)....
6 Pages (1500 words) Essay

Healthcare Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments

This paper "healthcare Policy, Finance, and Regulatory Environments" focuses on the features that affect the management and running of healthcare programs.... This essential prepares a nurse, by creating an understanding of the effective policies that shape healthcare.... hellip; Nurses are informed on healthcare management roles.... Nurses are also prepared to expect any changes in the healthcare policies so that they can respond positively to healthcare policies and lead healthcare transformation....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay

Health Policy for Advanced Practice Nursing

The author of the "Health Policy for Advanced Practice Nursing" paper provides an all-inclusive health promotion project that would educate the healthcare providers on how to address LGBTQ patients thus handling the lack of confidence among the healthcare professional in managing these patients.... Social stigmatization and human rights and discrimination of persons ascribe to the LGBTQ impeded their healthcare access.... hellip; The problem encountered was that there existed no clear policy that showed a guide on the type of care offered to LGBTQ patients since there are no LBGTQ specific diseases....
2 Pages (500 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us