Health Care Delivery System

Question 1

Describe strategies to increase access to quality care while reducing healthcare cost

Answer 1

• Preventive Care: Focus on prevention to reduce long-term costs associated with chronic diseases. This includes vaccinations, regular screenings, and health education​
• Telehealth Services: Expanding virtual care reduces geographical barriers and eliminates the need for costly in-person visits​
• Value-Based Care Models: Shift from fee-for-service to value-based models where providers are incentivized to improve outcomes while controlling costs​
• Community-Based Initiatives: Integrate care through local health services, addressing social determinants of health to reduce disparities​
• Streamlined Operations: Implement technology like electronic health records (EHRs) to reduce administrative burdens and prevent errors​

Question 2

Compare Various Methods to Pay for Health Care

Answer 2

Fee-for-Service: Providers are paid for each service; incentivizes volume but may increase costs.

Capitation: Providers receive a fixed amount per patient; encourages cost control but may limit services​

Bundled Payments: Single payment for an episode of care; promotes efficiency and coordinated care.

Insurance Models: Includes private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid, each with unique coverage structures and limitations​

Question 3

Identify the Three Levels of Healthcare

Answer 3

Primary Care: Focuses on prevention, wellness, and basic treatment (e.g., family physicians).

Secondary Care: Specialized care often requiring referrals (e.g., cardiologists, outpatient surgeries).

Tertiary Care: Advanced, highly specialized care (e.g., oncology treatments, complex surgeries)​

Question 4

Discuss the Types of Settings That Provide Various Healthcare Services

Answer 4

Hospitals: Provide acute and emergency care.

Outpatient Clinics: Offer services like minor surgeries, diagnostics, and consultations.

Long-Term Care Facilities: Cater to elderly or chronically ill patients needing extended care.

Home Health Care: Delivers personalized care to patients in their homes​

Question 5

Discuss the Role of the Nurse in Various Healthcare Services

Answer 5

Direct Care Providers: Administer treatments, monitor patients, and manage symptoms.

Educators: Teach patients about managing their conditions and preventive health practices.

Advocates: Represent patient interests in care decisions.

Coordinators: Facilitate communication within interdisciplinary teams​

Question 6

Describe the Members of the Interdisciplinary Healthcare Team

Answer 6

Physicians: Diagnose and create treatment plans.

Nurses: Implement care, educate patients, and monitor outcomes.

Pharmacists: Manage medication therapies.
Social Workers: Address social and psychological patient needs.

Therapists: Include physical, occupational, and respiratory therapists to aid recovery​

Question 7

Discuss Trends and Issues Affecting the Healthcare Delivery System

Answer 7

Technology Integration: Increasing reliance on EHRs and telemedicine.

Aging Population: Growing demand for geriatric care.

Healthcare Workforce Shortages: Addressing nursing and physician shortages.

Rising Costs: Balancing cost containment with quality improvements.

Health Equity: Tackling disparities in access and outcomes​

Question 8

Describe the Role of the Nurse in Health Care Reform

Answer 8

Policy Advocacy: Nurses advocate for policies to improve access and patient outcomes.

Leadership in Care Models: Drive innovations in care delivery, such as patient-centered medical homes.

Evidence-Based Practice: Integrate research findings into clinical practice to optimize care quality.

Community Engagement: Work on public health initiatives to address population health challenges​