Hethcare Policy & Finance
Advocacy is considered a role that all healthcare practitioners can fill. Advocacy is important to healthcare and improving health outcomes by acting as “the voice” for clients and vulnerable populations.
• In your discussion, identify a vulnerable population and describe ways a nurse can advocate for a change to promote positive health outcomes.
• What government organizations and policies help to support advocacy in healthcare?
• What are guidelines that can be used within healthcare systems to help support advocacy?
• What is the link between healthcare advocacy and the financial outcomes of an organization?
Vulnerable Population: Homeless individuals
Nurse Advocacy for Positive Health Outcomes:
- Direct Care:
- Provide comprehensive physical and mental health screenings.
- Offer vaccinations and preventive care education.
- Connect individuals to shelters, food banks, and social services.
- Advocate for culturally appropriate and trauma-informed care.
- Systemic Change:
- Collaborate with local organizations to increase access to healthcare services for homeless populations.
- Lobby for policies that support affordable housing and mental health resources.
- Educate policymakers and the public about the health needs of homeless individuals.
- Participate in research projects to improve healthcare delivery for this population.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS):Promotes patient-centered care and encourages healthcare providers to address social determinants of health.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):Funds programs that address healthcare disparities and improve access to care for vulnerable populations.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA):Expands health insurance coverage for low-income individuals, including many homeless individuals.
- Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act:Requires insurers to provide equal coverage for mental health and substance use disorders.
- American Nurses Association (ANA):Advocacy Code of Ethics guides nurses in ethical and effective advocacy practices.
- Joint Commission:Standards include requirements for patient-centered care and community engagement.
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW):Code of Ethics emphasizes commitment to social justice and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
- Improved health outcomes:Early intervention and preventive care reduce long-term healthcare costs.
- Increased patient satisfaction:Advocacy fosters trust and engagement, leading to better adherence to treatment plans.
- Reduced hospital readmissions:Addressing social determinants of health can prevent avoidable hospitalizations.
- Positive community relations:Advocacy demonstrates social responsibility and attracts talent and partnerships.
- Nurses can leverage their unique perspectives and expertise to be powerful advocates for vulnerable populations.
- Effective advocacy requires collaboration with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community organizations.
- Data-driven evidence and compelling storytelling are crucial for influencing policy and resource allocation.
- Investing in advocacy fosters a healthier and more equitable healthcare system for all.