Moreover, coordinated care plans prevent fragmented care and assist healthcare providers in working for patient benefit by reducing adverse effects. This aspect is based on the ethical principle of beneficence and non-maleficence. Ethical principles guide the fair allocation of resources and equitable access to care (O’Sullivan et al., 2022), which is the foundation for care coordination as it helps reduce disparities due to various social, cultural, and economic factors. The care coordination plans result in positive consequences of enhanced communication, improved patient outcomes, continuity of care, and adequate allocation of resources.
Underlying assumptions guiding ethical decision-making are patient satisfaction and empowerment, which are essential for engaging patients in their care processes. Moreover, it is assumed to provide multifaceted care through ethical decision-making, an essential aspect of care coordination.
Impact of Health Care Policies on Health Outcomes and Patient Experiences
Policies made in the healthcare sector have a significant impact on patient experiences and health outcomes. Similarly, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a policy based on expanding Medicaid eligibility, which ultimately has increased healthcare accessibility for millions of uninsured individuals. A study based on the impact of Medicaid expansion on older adults revealed that this expansion has reduced morbidities, complications, and risks associated with various diseases.
It improved the physical health of low-income individuals (McInerney et al., 2020). These improved health outcomes have also enhanced patient experiences with care and patient satisfaction levels. Additionally, the ACA’s emphasis on value-based care and payment reforms has incentivized healthcare providers to ensure that care quality is always prioritized, fostering care coordination.
NURS FPX 4050 Assessment 3 Care Coordination Presentation to Colleagues
Another policy that has impacted patient experiences and health outcomes is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA provisions are significant in safeguarding the privacy and security of patient information. A study reveals that privacy is the cornerstone of a patient-provider trusting relationship (Iott et al., 2020). Thus, the security of the patients’ information, under the HIPAA rule, enables providers to gain patients’ trust in healthcare services.
Additionally, it promotes open and accessible communication and shared decision-making between patients and their providers, which leads to improved treatment plans, adherence to care, and better health outcomes. When observing that their privacy and confidentiality are protected, patients are more likely to engage in their healthcare planning, eventually enriching their experience with the care.
Coordination and Continuum of Care and Nurses’ Role
Lastly, I would like to share nurses’ roles in care coordination and continuity of care. As frontline healthcare professionals, nurses are crucial in ensuring seamless, coordinated care plans to achieve coordination and continuity of care. Nurses can act as a bridge between various interprofessional team members and patients to reduce communication barriers by ensuring adequate information sharing and shared-decision making.
Nurses are essential in consistently monitoring care outcomes, administering and modifying care plans, and assessing patients’ needs to educate them (Karam et al., 2021). This role enhances patients’ adherence to the care plan, preventing morbidities and complications. Their holistic care approach addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs, promoting comprehensive well-being. By vigorously engaging in care transitions and patient education, nurses contribute significantly to effective care coordination, resulting in improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of life for individuals.
References
AHRQ. (2020, September). The SHARE Approach—Achieving Patient-Centered Care with Shared Decisionmaking: A Brief for Administrators and Practice Leaders. https://www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/professional-training/shared-decision/tool/resource-9.html
Figueroa, J. F., Feyman, Y., Zhou, X., & Joynt Maddox, K. (2018). Hospital-level care coordination strategies associated with better patient experience. BMJ Quality & Safety, 27(10), 844–851. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjqs-2017-007597
Handtke, O., Schilgen, B., & M&