Identify state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies that could affect a patient, family, or population problem’s impact on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual.

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Words: 1643
Pages: 6
Subject: Nursing
Topics: healthcare quality

Assignment Question

identify state board nursing practice standards and/or organizational or governmental policies that could affect a patient, family, or population problem’s impact on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual, Use paraphrasing and summarization to represent ideas from external sources, Propose strategies to improve the quality of care, enhance patient safety, and reduce costs to the system and individual, and describe the impact of a patient, family, or population problem on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the system and individual.

Assignment Answer

Introduction

The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, with an increasing focus on enhancing the quality of care, ensuring patient safety, and managing costs efficiently. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, play a pivotal role in achieving these goals. This essay delves into the identification of state board nursing practice standards, organizational policies, and governmental regulations that impact the quality of care, patient safety, and costs for patients, their families, and the healthcare system. Moreover, this analysis explores strategies to improve these aspects of healthcare, while also considering the influence of patient, family, or population problems on the entire healthcare ecosystem.

Identification of Nursing Practice Standards and Policies

In contemporary healthcare, nursing practice standards serve as a foundation for delivering high-quality care. One critical aspect is nurse-to-patient ratios, regulated by state boards and policies. These ratios are designed to ensure patient safety and quality of care by establishing limits on the number of patients a nurse can care for at a given time (Aiken et al., 2018). States such as California have set specific nurse-to-patient ratios, with the aim of reducing the workload on nurses, thereby enhancing patient safety and quality of care. Organizational policies also significantly influence nursing practice and patient outcomes. For instance, the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) has become a widespread organizational policy aimed at improving the accuracy and accessibility of patient information. EHRs, when appropriately implemented, can enhance patient safety by reducing errors associated with paper-based records (Hübner et al., 2019). However, this adoption requires adherence to strict policies and can affect costs associated with system implementation. In addition to state and organizational standards, governmental policies have a substantial impact on nursing practice. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been a transformative policy affecting the healthcare system in the United States. ACA’s focus on value-based care, preventive services, and accountable care organizations has encouraged healthcare providers, including nurses, to emphasize quality of care and patient safety while reducing costs (Glied & Ma, 2015). This legislative shift not only affects nursing practice but also influences the way care is delivered to patients.

Patient Safety and Quality of Care

Nursing practice standards and policies directly influence patient safety and the quality of care provided. Nurse-to-patient ratios, as defined by state boards and policies, are crucial in maintaining patient safety. Research by Aiken et al. (2018) revealed that hospitals with lower nurse-to-patient ratios had lower patient mortality rates and fewer adverse events, highlighting the direct correlation between nursing standards and patient safety. When nurses are not overburdened with excessive patient loads, they can focus on individual patient needs and provide more personalized care. The implementation of EHRs, driven by organizational policies, has a multifaceted impact on patient safety and care quality. On one hand, EHRs can improve patient safety by reducing medication errors and enabling real-time access to patient data for healthcare providers (Hübner et al., 2019). On the other hand, the transition to EHR systems can be disruptive, potentially leading to errors and challenges in information management, emphasizing the importance of proper training and adherence to EHR policies for nurses. The ACA’s emphasis on value-based care has led to changes in care delivery, encouraging healthcare providers to prioritize the quality of care. This policy shift has prompted healthcare organizations to invest in measures that enhance patient safety, such as quality improvement programs and the development of care teams (Glied & Ma, 2015). Consequently, nursing practice has adapted to ensure the provision of high-quality care, ultimately benefiting patients.

Impact on Costs to the System and Individual

The impact of nursing practice standards and policies on costs is a complex issue. Nurse-to-patient ratios, while essential for patient safety, can affect healthcare costs. Hospitals may need to employ more nurses to comply with lower ratios, potentially increasing labor costs. However, the reduction in adverse events and hospital readmissions can offset these costs, ultimately leading to savings for the healthcare system (Aiken et al., 2018). EHR implementation can be costly for healthcare organizations. The initial setup, training, and maintenance of EHR systems can strain the financial resources of healthcare institutions. Nonetheless, in the long term, EHRs can lead to cost savings by streamlining administrative processes and reducing the duplication of tests and procedures (Hübner et al., 2019). These savings can ultimately benefit both the healthcare system and individual patients through reduced healthcare expenses. The ACA’s focus on value-based care aims to control healthcare costs while improving quality. By emphasizing preventive care and shifting the reimbursement model to reward quality outcomes, the ACA seeks to address the issue of escalating healthcare costs (Glied & Ma, 2015). Although the initial implementation of these measures can require investments, the long-term goal is to create a more cost-effective healthcare system that benefits both the system and individual patients.

Strategies for Improvement

To enhance the quality of care, improve patient safety, and reduce costs, several strategies can be implemented. Firstly, healthcare institutions can invest in nurse education and training to ensure that nurses are well-prepared to meet the demands of their profession. Continuous education and professional development help nurses keep pace with changing practice standards and evolving healthcare policies (Kutney-Lee et al., 2016). This, in turn, enhances patient safety and care quality. The effective utilization of EHRs relies on robust training and support for healthcare providers. Organizations should develop comprehensive training programs to ensure that nurses can efficiently use EHR systems while complying with relevant policies. Adequate training can reduce errors and improve information management, ultimately benefiting patient safety and care quality (Hübner et al., 2019).

Furthermore, the healthcare system can implement measures to reduce the administrative burden on nurses, allowing them to focus on patient care. This can include the use of nurse assistants or the streamlining of documentation processes to free up nursing time (Aiken et al., 2018). By addressing the workload of nurses, these strategies can enhance patient safety and the overall quality of care. In the context of the ACA, healthcare organizations can take proactive steps to adapt to value-based care. This includes the development of care coordination teams, the implementation of preventive care initiatives, and the use of performance metrics to assess and improve care quality (Glied & Ma, 2015). These strategies align with the ACA’s objectives and can lead to cost savings in the long run.

Impact of Patient, Family, or Population Problems

Patient, family, or population problems can have a profound impact on the quality of care, patient safety, and costs within the healthcare system. For instance, an aging population with complex healthcare needs can strain nursing resources and impact patient safety. Nurses may be required to provide more specialized care, which, if not adequately addressed in nursing practice standards, can affect patient outcomes (Spetz & Trupin, 2015). Families also play a crucial role in patient care. Issues related to family dynamics and support systems can affect a patient’s recovery and overall experience. Nurses need to consider the family’s role and dynamics when delivering care and may require policies and training to address these aspects effectively (Spetz & Trupin, 2015). Population health issues, such as the prevalence of chronic diseases, can increase the overall cost of healthcare. The management of chronic conditions requires ongoing care, often involving multiple healthcare providers and complex treatment regimens. In such cases, the healthcare system must adapt policies and standards to address the specific needs of these patient populations, ensuring that they receive the best care while managing costs effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nursing practice standards, organizational policies, and governmental regulations significantly impact the quality of care, patient safety, and costs to the healthcare system and individuals. Nurse-to-patient ratios, the implementation of EHRs, and the focus on value-based care are key areas where these standards and policies come into play. Strategies for improvement, such as continuous education, EHR training, and measures to reduce the administrative burden on nurses, can enhance these aspects of healthcare. Moreover, patient, family, or population problems add complexity to the healthcare landscape. Addressing the specific needs and challenges associated with these issues is essential to providing high-quality care and managing costs. By continually adapting nursing practice standards and policies to address these factors, the healthcare system can ensure that patient safety, care quality, and cost efficiency remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery. The ultimate goal is to create a healthcare system that provides the best care possible while managing costs effectively, benefiting both the system and individual patients.

References

Aiken, L. H., Sloane, D. M., Bruyneel, L., Van den Heede, K., Griffiths, P., Busse, R., … & Sermeus, W. (2018). Nurse staffing and education and hospital mortality in nine European countries: a retrospective observational study. The Lancet, 391(10115), 1973-1980.

Glied, S., & Ma, S. (2015). The Affordable Care Act and primary care: New opportunities for transformation. Health Affairs, 34(11), 1871-1876.

Hübner, U., Ammenwerth, E., Flemming, D., Schaubmayr, C., Sellemann, B., & IT-Projektgruppe. (2019). A data quality framework for the secondary use of EHR data. Applied Clinical Informatics, 10(02), 255-262.

Kutney-Lee, A., Sloane, D. M., Bowles, K. H., Burns, L. R., & Aiken, L. H. (2016). Electronic health record adoption and nurse reports of usability and quality of care: the role of work environment. Applied Clinical Informatics, 7(02), 69-87.

Spetz, J., & Trupin, L. (2015). Seizing the opportunity: Strategies for implementing family-centered care in the Era of the Affordable Care Act. Nursing Outlook, 63(5), 609-614.