Discussion 6 Question 1
Hello Jeremy,
Quality health indicators are evidence-based and standardized health care quality measures,
which could be applied with readily available hospital administrative data to measure and
track clinical performance and outcomes (Berwick, 2016). Through practice I have noted
that performance measurement is key to improving healthcare quality. It carries the
massage of importance-meaning, what is important is measured, whereas what is not
measured is viewed as less important by the majority. I further agree with you that We first
one start with those patients who are in the hospital setting. If we have better utilization
and communication between the case managers and the physicians and nurses, the patients
can be setup with access to the resources needed that will prevent readmissions. With so
many patients having management issues with their chronic disease, utilizing home health
will help the patients with continued education on disease management. Those home
health nurses and case managers can be the middle person between the patient and their
PCP, to help prevent readmissions.
Reference:
Berwick, D.M. (2016). Continuous Improvement as an Ideal in Health Care. New England
Journal of Medicine 320:53–56.
Hi Roan,
As you mentioned the range of personal, social, economic and environmental factors that
influence health status are known as determinants of health. It is important for community
nurses and members of the interdisciplinary teams that works within the community, to
identify populations at risk for being affected by determinants of health. A culturally
competent, recovery-oriented and trauma-informed workforce in numbers and locations
sufficient to meet the need is critical for improved service delivery and system
improvement. Second, negative behavior and attitudes regarding mental illness and
discrimination and prejudice toward people with mental illnesses as well as their families
continue to be one of the major impediments to mental health improvement and assisting
individuals in need (Murray, 2015). Negative beliefs prevent the public from wanting to pay
for mental care, despite the commonness and the impact of mental illness on the
Americans.
Reference:
Murray, D. (2015). Design and Analysis of Community Trials: Lessons from the Minnesota
Heart Health Program. American Journal of Epidemiology142:569–575.
Discussion 6 Question 2
Hi Shadi,
Great post. I would like to echo your point that the affordable care act was put in place to
encourage people to enroll for insurance with the incentive of lower costs and proper
healthcare coverage. Therefore, consumers must become much more involved in their
health and health care. Unless patients comply with care and take responsibility for their
health, even the best doctor or team will fail” (Porter, 2009). To shape health policy to
deliver equitable individual and population resources as a member of a multidisciplinary
healthcare team, I will ensure that I bring patient-oriented perspective to the discussion, a
perspective that focuses on the holistic care of the population being. I also intend to get to
know our state legislators in order to present myself as health care content expert. I will
introduce myself to them as a constituent who has expertise in health care matters.
Reference:
Porter, M. E. (2009). A strategy for health care reform—toward a value-based system. New
England Journal of Medicine, 361(2), 109-112.
As a nurse who is interested in influencing reforms in the health sector I have to be well
prepared to argue the reasons that a holistic and comprehensive reform will bring once it
has been implemented. I cannot be an advocate for patients if we are still advocating for
nurses. To be advocates for nursing I must know what is happening in the wide political
arena and thereafter take a stand on the issue (Cooper, 2015). As you pointed out
the Affordable Care Act protects consumers by eliminating coverage denials for people with
pre-existing conditions, requiring health insurance companies to spend the majority of
premium dollars on health care, and offering free preventive services. “For health reform to
succeed and patients to receive better care at a cost we can afford, we must change the way
healthcare is delivered. And nursing is at the heart of patient care.
Reference:
Cooper, R. A. (2015). New directions for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in the
era of physician shortages. Academic Medicine.82(9):827–8.
