NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2 Policy Proposal  university NHS-FPX 6004 Health Care Law and Policy

Policy Proposal Proper diabetes care involves regular monitoring of HbA1c levels, as well as thorough foot and eye examinations, to prevent long-term complications such as peripheral neuropathy and vision loss. At Mercy Medical Center, dashboard metrics have shown that diabetic patients are receiving poor treatment, with late diagnoses and inadequate foot and eye exams, potentially leading to severe conditions like peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney damage, foot complications, and leg amputations. This policy proposal focuses on improving HbA1c monitoring, as it facilitates early diagnosis and treatment, thereby preventing diabetes-related complications such as kidney damage, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Need for Policy and Practice Guidelines According to the dashboard metrics for the last quarter of 2020, MMC’s performance in HbA1c tests, eye exams, and foot exams fell 11% short of the national benchmarks the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) set. These benchmarks are 79.5% for HbA1c tests, 75.2% for eye exams, and 84% for foot exams (AHRQ, n.d.). This shortfall highlights the immediate need for MMC to establish policies for regular HbA1c testing and practice guidelines to provide timely and adequate care for diabetic patients. Failing to meet the HbA1c benchmark has significant health implications that affect the quality of care and the overall functionality of the organization, underscoring the critical need for policy development. Without regular HbA1c testing, there is uncertainty about the glycemic levels in diabetic patients, leading to potential hyperglycemia that can reach life-threatening levels (Kaiafa et al., 2020). Additionally, with adequate HbA1c monitoring, healthcare professionals can develop effective treatment plans, whether they involve lifestyle modifications or pharmacotherapy combined with lifestyle changes (Kaiafa et al., 2020). A policy focused on HbA1c testing would ensure early diagnosis of diabetes in at-risk patients and facilitate effective management through tailored treatment plans based on HbA1c levels. The repercussions of not taking action include delayed diabetes diagnosis, making it challenging for patients to manage the condition themselves. This directly impacts the quality of care, leading to delayed interventions, prolonged hospital stays, and higher readmission rates. These outcomes affect various stakeholders, including physicians, nurses, patients, and hospital authorities. Furthermore, healthcare organizations may face financial consequences due to increased complications, as preventive measures are less costly than treating advanced complications (Mao et al., 2019). Therefore, MMC must develop policies and practice guidelines to enhance the quality of care and stabilize the organization’s operations, thereby avoiding these potential repercussions. Proposed Organizational Policy and Practice Guidelines A new policy proposed for MMC regarding diabetes management is mandating HbA1c testing for all diabetic patients twice yearly to ensure early diagnosis and effective management of diabetes. This policy aims to align MMC’s practices with the benchmarks the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) sets, which recommend conducting HbA1c tests at least twice annually for all diabetic patients (Zaslavsky et al., 2021). The practice guidelines will include continuous monitoring and reporting of HbA1c test results, comprehensive patient education on the importance of glycemic control, and establishing a multidisciplinary team to review test results and adjust treatment plans promptly. Several environmental factors will influence the implementation of these guidelines. Adequate staffing and resources must be allocated to handle the increased frequency of tests and data management, which may require investment in laboratory infrastructure and training for healthcare professionals. Given the diverse patient population in Shakopee City, culturally competent care and communication strategies will be necessary to ensure all patients understand and adhere to the new testing guidelines (Antón-Solanas et al., 2021). NHS FPX 6004 Assessment 2 Policy Proposal The policy is expected to have significant cause-and-effect relationships. Regular HbA1c testing will lead to earlier diabetes diagnosis, enabling timely interventions that can prevent complications such as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. This, in turn, will enhance patient outcomes, reduce hospital admissions and readmissions, and streamline care processes (Tunsuchart et al., 2020). Implementing this policy will also improve overall operational efficiency, leading to better resource utilization and potentially lowering operational costs by reducing the incidence of severe diabetes-related complications. The proposed policy addresses the AHRQ’s performance benchmark of 79.5% for HbA1c testing. It aligns with the American Diabetes Associati