Healthcare_Reform

Healthcare Reform Healthcare Reform This course has allowed the opportunity to communicate with many nurses from many locations. Each individual has flavored the discussions and debates with his or her experiences and understanding of the issues that challenge nursing and the healthcare system. Attitude This author has gained a greater understanding of our healthcare delivery system, the challenges it faces as well as a greater appreciation for those who serve as the decision and policy makers in healthcare reform. Healthcare reform Healthcare reform is complicated and encompasses much more than providing insurance coverage. In order to successfully bring about healthcare reform the healthcare delivery system must become more efficient while ensuring that quality and patient safety are not compromised. Additionally, healthcare reform must include a shift towards prevention of illness rather than treatment of illness or injury Education, 2005). Healthcare availability is one concern in healthcare reform. Only 35% of physicians in the United States are primary care physicians (Ryan, 2009). The current system is not equipped for the influx of patients that would occur with universal healthcare coverage. This serves to highlight the need for increased involvement in healthcare reform by those who currently work in the healthcare system. It is important for healthcare professionals to become involved in the policy making that will ultimately shape the future of healthcare. Whether at an institutional, local or federal level it is imperative that those who know the system best take an active role in the changes that are needed within the delivery of healthcare. Conclusion Healthcare reform is a highly debated topic in the United States. In order to bring about true healthcare reform, nurses and other healthcare professional must work to influence healthcare policies and lead healthcare delivery in the United States to the next level. The insights and knowledge gained in this course have served to encourage this author to take an active role in healthcare reform. References Ryan, S. F. (2009, December 1). Breaking down barriers part of healthcare reform. Nurse Practitioner, 34(12), 6-8.