How APN practice demonstrates cost-effectiveness
Using the South University Library do a search and find at least three (3) research article addressing the questions:
Describe how APN practice demonstrates cost-effectiveness.
Describe how APN practice can influence reduction in errors.
Describes how APN practice effects misuse or overuse of services.
Support responses with examples and at least 3 peer review articles.
Sample Solution
Advanced practice nurses (APNs) can have a major impact on the cost-effectiveness of providing healthcare services. As APNs are able to provide more comprehensive care than traditional nursing, they can help reduce costs by eliminating unnecessary doctor visits and reducing the number of specialist referrals (Lindgren et al., 2020). In addition, APNs are better equipped to identify potential health problems earlier before they become more serious; this helps save money as early diagnosis is often cheaper than treating serious conditions.
APN practice can also influence reduction in errors due to their expertise and experience that enable them to identify any potential issues with accuracy. For example, APN’s may be better able to assess patient symptoms accurately, thereby avoiding misdiagnosis which could result in costly treatments or inefficient use of time (Schaffer & Johnson 2018). Additionally, increased usage of electronic health systems such as computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and picture archiving communication system (PACS) can help reduce medication administration errors ensuring that patients receive only necessary treatment thus reducing overall costs associated with inappropriate prescribing practices.
Finally, APN practice can affect misuse or overuse of services by helping improve the efficiency of care delivery processes. This is achieved through increased collaboration between physicians and other healthcare providers such as pharmacists allowing for better coordination of patient care needs resulting in reduced waste (Dwyer et al., 2017). Additionally since APNS possess specialized knowledge and skills related to certain medical areas they are well placed for identifying any unnecessary treatments which may be prescribed without proper consideration leading towards unnecessary expenditure.
Overall, it is clear that advanced practice nurses play an important role when considering cost-effectiveness within healthcare organizations where their knowledge and expertise can be leveraged towards improving quality while also remaining fiscally responsible.
