Nurses often become motivated to change aspects within the larger health care system based on their real-world experience. As such, many nurses take on an advocacy role to influence a change in regulations, policies, and laws that govern the larger health care system.
For this assignment, identify a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that has the capacity for advocacy through legislation. Research the issue and use the “Advocacy Through Legislation” template to complete this assignment.
You are required to cite to a minimum of three sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In the healthcare industry, nurses play a crucial role in advocating for change within the larger healthcare system. This assignment focuses on identifying a problem or concern in your state, community, or organization that can be addressed through advocacy via legislation. By researching the issue and utilizing the provided “Advocacy Through Legislation” template, you will have the opportunity to explore potential solutions and develop a strategy for effecting positive change. Remember to support your analysis with credible sources published within the last 5 years, relevant to nursing practice.
Answer:
One pertinent problem that has the potential for advocacy through legislation is the shortage of primary care providers in underserved rural areas. Across many states and communities, rural populations face significant challenges in accessing primary healthcare services due to a scarcity of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. This shortage creates barriers to healthcare access for rural residents, leading to increased health disparities and poorer health outcomes.
Research studies and reports have consistently highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue. For example, a study published in the Journal of Rural Health found that rural areas have a significantly lower ratio of primary care providers to population compared to urban areas, with rural residents having more difficulty finding a primary care provider within a reasonable distance. Furthermore, the shortage of primary care providers in rural areas has been linked to higher rates of preventable hospitalizations and increased healthcare costs due to delayed and uncoordinated care.
Advocating for legislation to address the shortage of primary care providers in rural areas can involve several strategies. Firstly, there is a need to establish financial incentives, such as loan forgiveness programs or scholarships, to encourage healthcare professionals to practice in rural areas. By reducing the burden of student loans and providing financial incentives, healthcare providers may be more inclined to choose rural practice settings.
Additionally, legislative measures can be taken to expand training programs and increase the number of healthcare providers specifically trained to address the needs of rural populations. This may involve supporting the establishment of rural health clinics, expanding telehealth services, and providing resources for healthcare providers to receive specialized training in rural medicine. Legislative support for these initiatives can help attract more healthcare professionals to rural areas and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to provide high-quality primary care.
In conclusion, the shortage of primary care providers in underserved rural areas presents a significant problem that requires advocacy through legislation. By addressing this issue, we can aim to improve healthcare access, reduce health disparities, and enhance the overall health outcomes for rural populations. Through financial incentives, expanding training programs, and supporting the establishment of rural health clinics, legislative action can be a catalyst for positive change in addressing this crucial concern.
