Introduction
In ancient times, people recognized the considerable influence of internal and external factors, such as wars, diseases, and epidemics, united in small communities, understanding that this form of coexistence would help them survive and progress. With the gradual development of communities and the subsequent appearance of states and empires, society had to frame flexible cooperation rules and advanced control systems to arrange the relationship between government and citizens. In connection with this, governments and individuals began to establish various policies in all areas of their activity and management, including the health care sector, thereby defining goals, direction, and possible results. Thus, this paper aims at explaining the meaning of health care policy and how it can impact the nurse practitioner practice.
Meaning
Health care policies play a crucial role in the development of the health care industry and providing quality and equal treatment for all people. It can be determined as an accurate plan of actions and decisions, which identifies priorities and guides healthcare participants to manage or prevent diseases or medical conditions. In particular, it implies principles, laws, recommendations, requirements, and rules which everybody who provides healthcare services should follow to achieve rational results (Meyerson, 2013). In essence, these policies are administered to stimulate, encourage, or force healthcare organizations and their employees in making specific decisions and actions towards improving and saving the individual’s health.
Health care policies are designed, implemented, and enforced through three legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government (Goudreau & Smolenski, 2018). In addition, depending on the goals, policies are established on federal, local, or organizational levels. In other words, they can be introduced by both national or international government, state or city administration, or management of a particular private organization. Nevertheless, the success of healthcare policies significantly depends on different contributors, namely, advocacy groups, distinctive individuals, voters, the activity of professional organizations, and social and environmental factors (Goudreau & Smolenski, 2018). In this regard, it is essential to understand political processes by all participants because it directly influences the outcomes and development of the healthcare industry.
Impacts on Future Practice
First of all, health care policy will play a central role in my relationships with patients and customers since the results of treatment services depend on the decisions that I make. In other words, using recommendations and norms of different policies, both federal and organizational, I will be aware of steps I should take to improve patients’ health and prevent potential complications associated with the related disorder. I will also know about forbidden actions that can harm an individual. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) (2011), “graduates of master’s degree nursing programs have requisite knowledge and skills to promote health, help shape the health delivery system, and advance values like social justice.” This will also facilitate efficient and active communication between the consumer and me. Another aspect of policy’s impact is that it helps me in the right cooperation with organizations. Being aware of my corporate responsibilities, duties, rules, and requirements that an organization suggests enables me to make fewer mistakes in the work process develop healthy relationships with the company without conflicts.
In addition, global, public, pharmaceutical, and vaccination health policies protect me multiple risks and threats by preventing contracting some infections. This helps me improve my health, thereby prolonging my life. Furthermore, these policies affect me from the financial aspect since they regulate delivery and access to healthcare services, that is, the cost of medicines, interventions, and operations and their availability. AACN (2011) states that policy forms a healthcare system that determines health care accountability, accessibility, and affordability. Hence, health care policies will significantly contribute to the quality of my well-being and my overall performance in healthcare settings.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2011). The essentials of master’s education in nursing. Web.
Meyerson, B. (2013). Defining health policy big P and little p November 2013 [Video]. Youtube.
BrandmanCII (2016). What is Policy? [Video]. Youtube.
Goudreau, K.A., & Smolenski, M.C. (2018). Health Policy and advanced practice nursing, second edition: Impact and implications. Springer Publishing Company.