Effects of Health Policy on Patient Care and Nursing Practice

Health policies are often designed with the intention of improving the quality and accessibility of patient care. However, changes in these policies can also create new challenges and responsibilities for nurses.

Regulatory Expectations and Procedures

Health policies can introduce new regulatory requirements for nurses. For example, a policy might mandate more stringent infection control practices to reduce the spread of diseases. In order to comply with such a policy, you might need to undergo additional training or utilize new types of tools or personal protective wear. You will also likely need to spend additional time documenting your compliance with these new standards.

Prioritization of Care

Changes in health policies can affect which services are considered essential, thereby influencing your priorities as a nurse. For example, if a policy prioritizes preventative care, then your role might shift more towards education and preventive services rather than reactive care. This might also mean spending more time on patient education and preventative screenings while allocating less time for other tasks.

Workflow and Staffing Adjustments

Some health policies can impact the overall functioning of healthcare facilities, leading to changes in your work schedule or patient load. For example, a policy aimed at lowering patient-to-nurse ratios might result in shorter shifts but an increase in the total number of patients you’re responsible for during your shift. On the other hand, a policy aimed at improving patient outcomes might require greater nurse involvement in care planning and delivery, increasing the complexity of your role. In response to these potential changes, nurses must stay informed about and adapt to any new health policies. Resources, such as continuing education courses and professional nursing organizations, can help you navigate changes effectively while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.

Health Policy and Nurse Advocacy

As a nurse, you can play an important role in health policy decisions by using your expertise and first-hand experience to influence policies that affect both your profession and the patients for whom you care. Advocacy can take several forms, such as participating in professional organizations, contacting legislators, and leading or participating in grassroots initiatives.

Participating in Professional Organizations

There are numerous professional organizations at the local, national, and international level that advocate for nursing interests. By joining these organizations, you can lend your voice to the collective call for policy changes that promote the nursing profession and better patient care. Noteworthy examples include the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN). Furthermore, attending conferences or events organized by these groups will not only provide networking opportunities but also give insights into current health policy issues.

Contacting Legislators

Reaching out directly to policymakers is another effective way of nurse advocacy. Knowing who your local, state, and national representatives are and what issues they stand on will help you target your advocacy efforts. This can be done through writing letters, making phone calls, or even scheduling face-to-face meetings to share your perspectives and experiences as a nurse.

Grassroots Initiatives

Leading or participating in grassroots initiatives, such as community health programs or public awareness campaigns, can result in tangible change at the local level and potentially influence larger policy decisions. These initiatives demonstrate the value of nurses and their services, consequently supporting your advocacy work. However, nurses may face several hurdles in their advocacy efforts. Time constraint is a common issue since involvement in advocacy requires a significant time commitment outside of regular work hours. Additionally, some might encounter resistance within their own profession due to the fear of legal repercussions or lack of confidence in influencing policy-making processes. Finally, a lack of training or education in policy-making, political science, or leadership might limit the effectiveness of nurses’ advocacy efforts. Overcoming these hurdles might involve obtaining further education, seeking mentorship, and/or participating in specialized training provided by professional organizations.

Role of Technology and Telehealth

Health policies have played a significant role in shaping the application of technology in nursing, especially in regard to the advancement and use of telehealth services. For instance, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 was a turning point, providing billions in federal funding to incentivize the adoption and meaningful use of electronic health records (EHRs). Thanks to policies like this, nurses today have the resources to deliver efficient and quality care to their patients.

The HITECH Act

The HITECH Act was specifically designed to promote the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology. Before this policy was enacted, the use of digital technology by healthcare providers was highly variable and often fragmented. The Act has greatly increased the use of EHRs among healthcare providers, including nurses. This has allowed for more streamlined patient care, with better coordination between various healthcare professionals and easier access to vital patient information. Telehealth nursing, as a result, has been able to thrive due to the broad use of EHRs made possible by the HITECH Act. With instant and real-time access to a patient’s vital signs, health history, and care plan, nurses can provide comprehensive care remotely, without sacrificing the quality of care.

Regulation of Telehealth Services

In terms of regulating telehealth services, various policies at both the state and federal levels come to the forefront. The regulations are focused on defining the services that can be provided through telehealth, the level of care expected, and the reimbursement rules for these services. For instance, Medicare and Medicaid policies have clear guidelines on which telehealth services they cover and how much they reimburse for such services. To maintain these reimbursements, telehealth services must meet specific quality standards, thus ensuring that the level of care provided remotely mirrors the care a patient would receive in person. Moreover, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plays a significant role by providing funding to healthcare providers to invest in technological infrastructure that enables the provision of telehealth services. As you can see, health policies play a significant role in the nursing profession.