What are the factors that influence decision making such as health policy, regulatory requirements, accreditation, and health care financing.
Annalysis Of Nursing
Full Answer Section
Regulatory Requirements:- Licensing and accreditation:Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare professionals need to meet specific licensing and accreditation standards set by organizations like The Joint Commission. These standards dictate quality benchmarks and influence treatment decisions to ensure patient safety.
- Coding and billing regulations:Healthcare providers must adhere to specific coding and billing regulations set by insurance companies and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This can influence the choice of procedures and medications based on reimbursement rates.
- Accreditation:
- Maintaining quality standards:Accreditation bodies evaluate healthcare institutions and programs to ensure they meet quality benchmarks. This influences decisions on staffing, equipment, and treatment protocols.
- Market competitiveness:Accreditation can enhance a healthcare institution's reputation and attract patients. This can incentivize investment in quality improvement initiatives.
- Healthcare Financing:
- Insurance coverage:The types of procedures and medications covered by insurance plans can influence treatment decisions. Physicians might consider cost-effective options or negotiate with insurance companies for approvals.
- Patient co-pays and deductibles:High patient cost-sharing can lead to patients delaying or forgoing recommended treatments, impacting healthcare utilization.
- Resource allocation:Limited healthcare budgets force hospitals and clinics to prioritize services based on their cost-effectiveness and ability to generate revenue.
Sample Answer
Here's a breakdown of how various factors influence decision making in healthcare:
1. Health Policy:
- Government regulations: Federal and state guidelines regarding patient care, privacy, and safety play a major role in shaping healthcare decisions. This includes policies on medication use, treatment protocols, and preventive care.
- Public health initiatives: Government programs aimed at promoting population health, such as vaccination campaigns or disease prevention programs, influence how healthcare resources are allocated.