#1
1. The vulnerable population I chose is neonates. Nurses can actively listen to families, educate them, foster cultural sensitivity, enhance nursing skills, collaborate with the healthcare team, and advocate for policies that improve neonatal care to achieve positive health outcomes for neonates (Maleki et al., 2022). Nurses should listen carefully to the concerns and needs of neonatal parents and families, considering their viewpoints and cultural backgrounds. They should provide concise and accurate information about neonatal care, potential complications, and available services. It is important to recognize and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of families and to provide care accordingly. Nurses must maintain current knowledge and skills in newborn care through continuous education and professional development. Developing strong communication skills is essential for interacting with newborns, families, and healthcare team members. Identifying and advocating for the necessary resources to deliver the best neonatal care, including equipment, staffing, and funding, is crucial. Encouraging and supporting family-centered care emphasizes the importance of involving families in the care of their newborns (Maleki et al., 2022).
2. Many organizations support advocacy in healthcare. Some include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which protects the safety and efficacy of medications, medical equipment, and other health-related items. Therefore, its decisions are critical for patient safety and significantly impact medication research and access. Others include the American Nurse Association, the National Institutes of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Healthcare systems can implement the following guidelines to strengthen advocacy efforts. The first one is patient-centered care; healthcare practitioners should prioritize their patients’ needs and preferences (Kuehne et al., 2022). This involves respecting their decisions and ensuring they are fully informed about their health state and treatment alternatives. The next one is communication, healthcare providers and their patients must communicate clearly and openly. This includes explaining medical concepts in a language the patient can understand. We continue with confidentiality; the patient’s health information should be kept private and only shared with those involved in their treatment. Respect for autonomy which talks about patients being permitted to make their own health-related decisions. This includes the ability to refuse any treatments. Lastly, community engagement and collaboration. Working with community organizations, leaders, and residents to address health challenges. Promote public health awareness by increasing knowledge of health issues, encouraging healthy practices, and advocating for policies that benefit the community by supporting community-wide activities to increase health and well-being.
4. Enhancing neonatal support at a microsystem level entails offering support and interventions within the immediate environment of the neonate and their family. It can be achieved by providing parents with education, resources, and emotional support regarding newborn care, nursing, and early childhood development. In addition, advocating for policies that support kangaroo care, breastfeeding, and family-centered care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can also improve support for neonates and their families. Facilitating family therapy, parenting training, and support groups to enhance family dynamics and reduce stress, such as advocating for access to food, housing, and other essential requirements for neonatal families, would also be beneficial. When referring to the mesosystem, it is essential to encourage communication and collaboration among hospitals, clinics, and social service agencies to ensure complete support for neonates and their families. Motivate parents and childcare providers to work together to ensure a consistent approach to infant care and development. Creating community-based initiatives that offer services and support to neonatal families, such as early childhood centers, parenting groups, and community health clinics, can help support neonates and their families. At a macrosystem level, we focus on influencing larger societal institutions, regulations, and cultural norms to provide a more supportive environment for neonates and their families. It can be started by promoting policies that encourage parental leave, affordable daycare, and paid family leave. To improve neonate outcomes, there should be support for research and innovation in neonatal care and early childhood development. Advocating for more money and resources for neonatal care, particularly NICUs and early intervention programs, can support neonates.
5. Healthcare advocacy plays a pivotal role in enhancing the financial health of healthcare organizations. By proactively addressing patient needs, improving satisfaction, and streamlining financial processes, effective advocacy can lead to improved revenue cycles, reduced costs, and strengthened patient loyalty (Lazuka et al., 2022). The first level of effective advocacy is the patient level; it focuses on patient advocacy by providing customized support by assisting patients in understanding their benefits, navigating the healthcare system, and managing expenditures. This support results in enhanced patient experiences and timely payments. The next level is the organizational level; Healthcare institutions can establish complete advocacy programs that improve billing processes, increase transparency, and address patient complaints proactively. Such activities promote confidence and encourage quick payment, which improves financial health. Advocacy at the policy level has the potential to impact reimbursement rates, budget allocations, and regulatory structures. Engaging in policy advocacy ensures that financial incentives are aligned with quality care goals, which helps the organization’s financial stability.
#2
Identify a vulnerable population and describe ways a nurse can advocate for a change to promote health outcomes for this group.
- The vulnerable population I chose for this post is individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities. “Individuals with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities are more likely than the general population to experience problems in accessing a range of health care services” (Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2022). They may be subjected to social stigma and experience challenges in accessing healthcare appropriate for their needs. I chose this population because chronic illnesses and disabilities affect everyone, no matter their age, race, or ethnicity.
- Nurses can advocate for individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities in several ways. These include policy advocacy, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Nurses can ensure that the appropriate policies are addressed by engaging in policy advocacy. This can be done by connecting with their local legislators and collaborating with professional organizations. “Addressing social needs across the health system can improve health equity from the individual to the system level” (Flaubert et al., 2021). Nurses can also collaborate with other professionals and use continuing education to better understand the population’s needs.
What government organizations and policies support advocacy in healthcare?
- The Department of Health and Human Services oversees Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act. “The mission of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is to enhance the health and well-being of all Americans, by providing for effective health and human services and by fostering sound, sustained advances in the sciences underlying medicine, public health, and social services” (Department of Health & Human Services, 2024). They have multiple divisions overseeing services to support and protect all populations.
What guidelines can healthcare systems implement to strengthen advocacy efforts?
- Healthcare systems can establish policies advocating for equal care, offering continuing education, and encouraging staff to engage with local legislators regarding current policies.
Consider the role of microsystems, macrosystems, and mesosystems. Describe how advocacy at each level could enhance support for the vulnerable population you identified. How might advocacy actions differ at each level?
- “Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory posits that an individual’s development is influenced by a series of interconnected environmental systems, ranging from the immediate surroundings (e.g., family) to broad societal structures (e.g., culture)” (Guy-Evans, 2024).
o The microsystem is the immediate environment the individual has contact with, including family, friends, coworkers, and healthcare workers assisting in their care. Nurses can provide personalized care plans and assist with patient education regarding diagnoses, lifestyle changes, and other specific needs.
o The mesosystem is the interconnection between different microsystems. This would include interdisciplinary communication in the healthcare system, such as an interdisciplinary team. Including family, at the patient’s discretion, in health decisions, and case managers connecting patients with local community resources.
o According to Guy-Evans (2024), the macrosystem focuses on cultural elements such as cultural ideologies, attitudes, and social conditions in which the patient is immersed. Nurses can advocate for populations by engaging with legislators regarding policies on equal treatment of patients with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Discuss the link between healthcare advocacy and the financial outcomes of an organization. How can effective advocacy at each system level impact an organization’s financial health?
- Microsystem—Nurses who assist in educating their patients on their chronic conditions and disabilities can help reduce readmissions, improve HCAHPS scores (patient satisfaction), and reduce ER visits. They can review medication regimens, dietary requirements, and condition specifics.
- Mesosystem—Nurses and case managers can help connect patients with community resources and outreach programs. This can help the patient with transportation to appointments and needs for home health assistance.
- Macrosystem – Continuing to engage with current policies, local legislation, and community resources can help ensure up-to-date information to pass on to patients during discharge planning.
