Outline a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation introduced to reform or restructure some aspect of the health care delivery system. Describe the effect of this on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility. Discuss how quality measures and pay for performance affect patient outcomes. Explain how these affect nursing practice and describe the expectations and responsibilities of the nursing role in these situations. Discuss professional nursing leadership and management roles that have arisen and how they are important in responding to emerging trends and in the promotion of patient safety and quality care in diverse health care settings.

QUESTION

Examine changes introduced to reform or restructure the U.S. health care delivery system. In a 1,000-1,250 word paper, discuss action taken for reform and restructuring and the role of the nurse within this changing environment.

Include the following:

1. Outline a current or emerging health care law or federal regulation introduced to reform or restructure some aspect of the health care delivery system. Describe the effect of this on nursing practice and the nurse’s role and responsibility.
2. Discuss how quality measures and pay for performance affect patient outcomes. Explain how these affect nursing practice and describe the expectations and responsibilities of the nursing role in these situations.
3. Discuss professional nursing leadership and management roles that have arisen and how they are important in responding to emerging trends and in the promotion of patient safety and quality care in diverse health care settings.
4. Research emerging trends. Predict two ways in which the practice of nursing and nursing roles will grow or transform within the next five years to respond to upcoming trends or predicted issues in health care.

You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.

ANSWER

Reforming the U.S. Health Care Delivery System: The Evolving Role of Nurses

Introduction

The U.S. health care delivery system is undergoing significant reforms and restructuring to improve the quality, accessibility, and affordability of care. This paper examines a current health care law, the impact of quality measures and pay for performance on nursing practice, the emergence of professional nursing leadership and management roles, and predicts future nursing practice trends to address upcoming health care challenges.

Health Care Law: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) 

One significant health care law introduced to reform the U.S. health care delivery system is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) enacted in 2010. The ACA aimed to expand access to affordable health insurance, promote preventive care, and enhance quality and patient safety. The ACA has had a profound effect on nursing practice by expanding the role and responsibilities of nurses. With millions of previously uninsured individuals gaining coverage, nurses have become pivotal in providing primary care services, health promotion, and disease prevention within an integrated and interdisciplinary care team.

The ACA also introduced innovative models of care delivery, such as accountable care organizations (ACOs) and medical homes, emphasizing care coordination, population health management, and value-based care. As part of these models, nurses are increasingly engaged in care coordination, patient education, transitional care, and promoting evidence-based practice. Nurses’ roles have expanded to include leadership in interprofessional teams, advocating for patients’ rights, and participating in policy development and implementation to improve population health outcomes.

Quality Measures and Pay for Performance 

Quality measures and pay for performance initiatives play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes and shaping nursing practice. Quality measures assess the effectiveness, safety, efficiency, and patient-centeredness of care provided by health care providers, including nurses. These measures drive performance improvement, accountability, and transparency in health care delivery.

Nursing practice is directly influenced by quality measures as nurses are responsible for delivering evidence-based care aligned with these metrics. Nurses contribute to the collection and reporting of data on quality measures, such as adherence to medication protocols, infection prevention, and patient satisfaction. They play a vital role in monitoring patient outcomes, identifying gaps in care, and implementing interventions to improve quality and safety.

Pay for performance initiatives link financial incentives to the achievement of predefined quality metrics. These initiatives encourage health care organizations to provide high-quality care and reward providers, including nurses, for meeting or exceeding performance targets. Nursing practice is impacted by pay for performance through the establishment of quality improvement goals, increased accountability for patient outcomes, and potential financial incentives for meeting targets. Nurses are expected to actively participate in quality improvement efforts, engage in continuous professional development, and adopt evidence-based practices to enhance patient outcomes and meet performance expectations.

Professional Nursing Leadership and Management Roles

To respond to emerging trends and promote patient safety and quality care, professional nursing leadership and management roles have evolved. Nursing leaders are assuming positions at various levels, including clinical nurse leaders, nurse managers, nurse executives, and chief nursing officers. These roles are essential in guiding and coordinating nursing practice, ensuring effective resource allocation, and fostering a culture of safety and quality.

Nursing leadership roles involve strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of evidence-based practices to address emerging trends and challenges in health care. Leaders facilitate collaboration among interdisciplinary teams, promote staff development and engagement, and advocate for patient-centered care. They play a vital role in promoting a culture of safety, quality improvement, and innovation within diverse health care settings.

Predicted Future Trends in Nursing Practice 

As health care continues to evolve, several trends will shape the practice of nursing within the next five years:

Increased emphasis on telehealth and virtual care: With advances in technology and the growing demand for accessible and convenient care, nursing roles will expand to include remote patient monitoring, teleconsultation, and virtual care delivery. Nurses will need to adapt their skills to effectively provide care in digital environments, maintain patient privacy and security, and ensure equitable access to care.

Integration of genomics and precision medicine: Genomic advancements and personalized medicine will influence nursing practice. Nurses will play a vital role in patient education, genetic counseling, and coordinating care based on individual genetic profiles. They will need to enhance their knowledge and skills in genomics, informatics, and ethical considerations related to precision medicine.

Conclusion

The U.S. health care delivery system is continuously evolving through reforms and restructuring efforts. The ACA has expanded access to care and transformed the role of nurses in delivering primary care and promoting population health. Quality measures and pay for performance initiatives have driven improvements in patient outcomes and increased accountability for nurses. Professional nursing leadership and management roles have emerged to navigate these changes and promote patient safety and quality care. Looking ahead, nursing practice will continue to adapt to emerging trends, including telehealth and precision medicine, to address upcoming challenges in health care and ensure optimal patient outcomes.

References

American Nurses Association. (2021). Affordable Care Act: Implementation status. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/advocacy/federal/affordable-care-act/

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (2021). Pay for performance. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/talkingquality/measures.html

American Nurses Association. (2018). Nursing leadership. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/what-is-nursing/nursing-leadership/