Posted: February 9th, 2023

Discuss a time where you influence health care through advocacy -essay

The purpose of learning the ropes of policy, politics, and advocacy is to influence health care or broader social agendas that influence human health. Discuss a time where you influence health care through advocacy.
Correlate one of the following outcomes with the topics of this discussion and write about it
Point out the impact of economic, political, legal, and ethical issues on the development and evolution of healthcare policies
Determine the effects of healthcare policy on nursing roles and healthcare delivery
Promote policies that incorporate ethical principles and standards for the use of health and information technologies
Advocate for patients, families, caregivers, communities, and members of the healthcare team
The discussion must address the topic.
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-Sample Answer Guide-
One example of advocacy influencing healthcare policy is the push for universal healthcare coverage in the United States. Advocacy groups and organizations, such as Physicians for a National Health Program and National Nurses United, have been lobbying for a single-payer healthcare system for decades. They argue that such a system would increase access to healthcare for all Americans and reduce overall healthcare costs.
Economic, political, legal, and ethical issues all play a significant role in the development and evolution of healthcare policies. Economic factors, such as the high cost of healthcare and lack of access to insurance, disproportionately affect low-income individuals and communities. Political considerations, such as the role of government in healthcare and the influence of special interest groups, also play a significant role in shaping healthcare policies. Legal issues, such as the Affordable Care Act, have had a major impact on healthcare policies and access to healthcare in the United States. Ethical considerations, such as access to care for vulnerable populations and end-of-life care, are also important factors in shaping healthcare policies.
Healthcare policy has a significant impact on nursing roles and healthcare delivery. For example, policies that focus on preventative care and community-based healthcare can lead to an increased focus on primary care and community health nursing. Similarly, policies that emphasize cost-cutting measures, such as reducing hospital stays, may lead to an increased focus on home health nursing and community-based care.
Incorporating ethical principles and standards for the use of health and information technologies is an important aspect of healthcare policy. For example, policies that address issues such as patient privacy, data security, and the use of electronic health records are crucial for protecting patient rights and ensuring the safe and responsible use of technology in healthcare.
Advocating for patients, families, caregivers, communities, and members of the healthcare team is a crucial aspect of shaping healthcare policies. Patients and their families are often the most affected by healthcare policies and therefore, their voices and perspectives should be taken into consideration when making policy decisions. Additionally, healthcare providers, such as nurses and physicians, play a vital role in delivering care and their input should be valued when making policy decisions.
Healthcare policy is a complex issue that is shaped by a variety of economic, political, legal, and ethical considerations. Advocacy plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare policies, by bringing the voices and perspectives of patients, families, and healthcare providers to the forefront and promoting policies that prioritize access to care, patient rights, and ethical considerations.