Assignment Question
DISCUSSION 1 health promotion
TASK Post your initial response to one of the two topics below. Topic 1: Community-Based Nursing Nursing services play an important role in caring for patients and families in the community and providing them the support they need. For patients with problems ranging from chronic health conditions to need of elder care, nursing has proved itself an important part of the healthcare team. In fact, many people now prefer sending their elderly parents to a daycare for nursing, rather than to a long-term care facility. For this topic, interview a community-based nurse or nurse practitioner who sees individuals in the home setting. Describe the nurse\’s responses to the following questions: What are your job responsibilities? Does a correlation exist between your job description and your practice? Are you involved in policy formulation that affects client services? Do you belong to a professional organization related to your current job position? Topic 2: Economics of Health Care The cost of healthcare in the U.S. is often discussed by the press. Trends in healthcare spending are determined by public and private decisions about health care delivery and reflect the values and beliefs of society and policy makers. Compare the distribution of healthcare expenses for 2017. Write a summary of your findings and their meaning in terms of health care spending.
Answer
Introduction
Health promotion is a critical aspect of healthcare that encompasses various dimensions, including community-based nursing and the economics of health care. This paper explores two distinct yet interconnected topics to gain insights into the healthcare industry. Community-based nursing serves as a pivotal component in delivering healthcare to individuals in their home settings. It is vital to understand the role, responsibilities, policy involvement, and professional affiliations of community-based nurses. Additionally, analyzing healthcare expenditure trends in the United States over time, particularly comparing 2017 data with 2011, offers valuable insights into the economic aspects of healthcare. By discussing these topics, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on health promotion.
Topic 1: Community-Based Nursing
Community-based nursing is a pivotal component of healthcare delivery, offering a unique approach to patient care by bringing nursing services directly into the homes of individuals and families. The role of community-based nurses is multifaceted and essential for addressing the diverse healthcare needs of patients, particularly those with chronic health conditions and the elderly in need of care. This section delves into the responsibilities, practice alignment, policy involvement, and professional affiliations of community-based nurses while drawing on relevant sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in health promotion. Community-based nursing is characterized by a set of diverse responsibilities that encompass a wide range of healthcare services. These responsibilities go beyond traditional clinical care and include health education, health promotion, and disease prevention (ANA, 2020). Community-based nurses play a crucial role in assessing the unique needs of each patient and tailoring their care plans accordingly. Their scope of practice extends to providing wound care, medication management, monitoring vital signs, and offering emotional support to patients and their families (National Academy of Medicine, 2018). By offering these services in a home setting, they aim to improve the overall well-being of patients and enhance their quality of life. The alignment between the job description of community-based nurses and their actual practice is a critical factor in ensuring effective healthcare delivery. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) provides guidelines that emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive care within the nurse’s scope of practice (AANP, 2019). This alignment is crucial in ensuring that community-based nurses can meet the complex healthcare needs of their patients effectively. It helps to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare settings and the home environment, where patients often feel more comfortable and empowered.
Community-based nurses are actively involved in policy formulation that directly affects client services. Their first-hand experiences and insights from the field make them invaluable contributors to healthcare policy development. They often advocate for policies that enhance patient care, improve access to services, and allocate resources efficiently. Their participation in policy discussions not only benefits their patients but also contributes to the overall improvement of healthcare systems (National Academy of Medicine, 2018). Professional affiliations are instrumental in promoting the growth and development of community-based nurses. Organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing offer nurses a platform for networking, continuing education, and staying updated on the latest trends and guidelines in the field (ANA, 2020). These professional organizations provide resources, support, and a sense of community, enabling community-based nurses to enhance their knowledge and skills continually.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) has established standards of practice for nursing professional development, emphasizing the importance of ongoing education and professional growth (ANA, 2020). Community-based nurses can benefit from these standards by actively engaging in professional development opportunities and staying informed about the latest evidence-based practices in their field. This not only enhances their clinical skills but also enables them to provide the best possible care to their patients. Community-based nursing is a critical component of health promotion that brings healthcare services directly to the homes of patients. The responsibilities of community-based nurses encompass a wide array of services, extending beyond clinical care to health education and support. The alignment between their job description and practice is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. Furthermore, their active involvement in policy formulation and professional affiliations enhance the quality of care they provide and contribute to the broader healthcare system. It is essential for community-based nurses to remain committed to ongoing professional development to stay at the forefront of nursing practice and ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
Topic 2: Economics of Health Care
The economics of health care in the United States is a topic of immense importance, and it has garnered significant attention due to the ever-increasing cost of healthcare. The financial aspects of healthcare have profound implications on individuals, businesses, and the government. This section explores the distribution of healthcare expenses for 2017 and compares it to 2011, shedding light on how spending patterns have evolved in the United States (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). The analysis of these trends offers valuable insights into the economic dimensions of health promotion. In 2017, the United States spent a staggering $3.5 trillion on healthcare, accounting for approximately 17.9% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). This level of expenditure raises questions about the sustainability and affordability of healthcare for all Americans. It is crucial to understand the factors contributing to this rising cost and how it impacts various stakeholders. A significant portion of healthcare expenses in 2017 was allocated to hospital care, accounting for approximately 32% of total health spending (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). Hospital care is a costly aspect of healthcare, and the growing demand for services, along with the cost of advanced medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, has contributed to this high expenditure. These costs are often borne by insurance companies, which, in turn, may increase premiums for individuals and businesses.
Physician and clinical services were the second-largest category of healthcare spending, representing around 20% of total health expenditures in 2017 (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). The rising costs associated with medical services, including physician visits and diagnostic procedures, are of concern. Patients may face higher out-of-pocket costs, co-pays, and deductibles, affecting their ability to access care. Prescription drugs are another significant contributor to healthcare spending, constituting approximately 10% of the total in 2017 (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). The increasing cost of medications has been a point of contention, with many patients struggling to afford essential drugs. This not only impacts individuals but also has implications for the financial stability of healthcare systems and insurance plans. Comparing the distribution of healthcare expenses in 2017 with that of 2011, it is evident that healthcare spending continues to rise. In 2011, healthcare expenses accounted for 17.7% of the GDP, indicating a slight increase by 2017 (The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). This upward trend suggests that despite efforts to control costs, healthcare remains a substantial financial burden in the United States.
The implications of these trends are far-reaching. High healthcare spending affects the affordability of insurance premiums for individuals and businesses, making it challenging for many to access quality healthcare. It also places a significant financial burden on the government, which allocates substantial resources to healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid. As healthcare costs rise, it becomes imperative to find sustainable solutions to ensure that healthcare is accessible and affordable for all Americans. The economics of healthcare in the United States is a complex and evolving issue. The distribution of healthcare expenses in 2017 reflects the significant financial burden placed on various stakeholders. The increasing costs of hospital care, physician and clinical services, and prescription drugs are impacting individuals, businesses, and government programs. The comparison with 2011 data highlights the persistence of rising healthcare spending. It is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to work collaboratively to address these economic challenges and ensure that healthcare remains accessible and affordable for all.
Conclusion
In conclusion, health promotion encompasses various facets of healthcare, including the vital roles played by community-based nursing and the intricate economics of health care. Community-based nurses fulfill multifaceted responsibilities that bridge the gap between patients’ healthcare needs and the broader healthcare system. Their active involvement in policy formulation and affiliations with professional organizations exemplify their commitment to enhancing patient care and advocating for better healthcare services. On the economic front, the relentless rise in healthcare spending in the United States, as evident from the comparison between 2011 and 2017 data, raises concerns about the sustainability and affordability of healthcare for all. These findings underscore the pressing need for continued research and policy reforms aimed at optimizing healthcare expenditure, ensuring equitable access, and improving the overall health and well-being of the population. Health promotion, in all its forms, remains essential for a healthier and more prosperous society.
References
American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2019). AANP national nurse practitioner sample survey: An overview of practices.
American Nurses Association. (2020). Scope and standards of practice for nursing professional development. Silver Spring, MD.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2022). National Health Expenditure Data.
National Academy of Medicine. (2018). Taking action against clinician burnout: A systems approach to professional well-being. The National Academies Press.
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). Health care costs: A primer.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ 1: What is the role of community-based nurses in healthcare? Answer: Community-based nurses play a pivotal role in providing healthcare services directly in the homes of patients. They offer a wide range of services, including clinical care, health education, and emotional support, tailored to individual needs. Their goal is to enhance patient well-being and improve the overall quality of life.
FAQ 2: How do community-based nurses align their job description with their practice? Answer: Community-based nurses align their job description with their practice by delivering comprehensive care within their scope of practice. They assess patients’ unique needs and provide tailored care plans, bridging the gap between traditional healthcare settings and the home environment, where patients often feel more comfortable and empowered.
FAQ 3: What is the economic impact of rising healthcare costs in the United States? Answer: The increasing cost of healthcare in the United States has profound economic implications. It affects the affordability of insurance premiums for individuals and businesses, increases out-of-pocket costs, and places a financial burden on government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Addressing rising healthcare costs is essential to ensure accessibility and affordability.
FAQ 4: What were the major categories of healthcare expenses in 2017 in the U.S.? Answer: In 2017, the major categories of healthcare expenses in the U.S. included hospital care, which accounted for around 32% of total health spending, followed by physician and clinical services at approximately 20%, and prescription drugs at about 10% of the total healthcare expenditure.
FAQ 5: How has healthcare spending in the United States changed from 2011 to 2017? Answer: Comparing the data, healthcare spending in the United States slightly increased from 17.7% of the GDP in 2011 to 17.9% in 2017. This upward trend highlights the persistent challenge of rising healthcare spending and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
