One of the main differences between the healthcare systems of the United Kingdom and the United States lies in their financing structure. The United Kingdom operates under a public healthcare system known as the National Health Service (NHS), funded by the government through taxes (Childers, 2016). In contrast, the US healthcare system is predominantly private and relies heavily on health insurance, much of which is obtained through employment (Knickman & Elbel, 2023). This difference makes access to healthcare services in the United Kingdom more equitable, while in the United States, large inequalities persist based on socioeconomic status (Wager et al., 2024). The universality of the NHS contrasts with the fragmentation of the US system.
Another key difference is the overall cost of healthcare. The United States spends significantly more per person on healthcare than the United Kingdom, but does not necessarily achieve better outcomes. According to the Peterson-Kaiser Health System Tracker, the United States has higher rates of postoperative adverse events, such as blood clots, compared to similar countries (Wager et al., 2024). Despite high costs, millions of Americans remain uninsured or have limited access to quality services. The United Kingdom’s system, on the other hand, shows better results on certain public health indicators, such as preventive care and postoperative care.
Advanced practice nurses (APRNs) have a significant opportunity to influence healthcare policy in the United States by promoting reforms that promote equitable access and system efficiency. A key policy intervention would be to advocate for an expansion of health coverage through public programs or for strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA). They can also influence policies that remove barriers to their independent practice, allowing for greater availability of services in underserved communities (Knickman & Elbel, 2023). Their role as community health advocates and primary care leaders allows them to identify gaps and propose evidence-based solutions. Their active participation in lobbying and legislative development can catalyze significant changes.
Furthermore, APRNs can leverage their clinical expertise to participate in legislative committees, advisory boards, and professional organizations. They can lead educational campaigns targeting legislators and the public on the benefits of a more equitable and preventative system (Knickman & Elbel, 2023). Through data collection and research, they can support their proposals with concrete evidence on the costs and outcomes of care. They can also develop strategic alliances with other healthcare professionals to strengthen their political voice. In short, advanced practice nurses have the knowledge and positioning necessary to be key agents of change in reforming the American healthcare system.
References:
Childers, C. (2016, April 26). US and UK Healthcare System Comparison [Video]. YouTube.
Knickman, J. R., & Elbel, B. (2023). Jonas and Kovner’s Health Care Delivery in the United States (13th Ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Wager, E., Telesford, I., Rakshit, S., Kurani, N., & Cox, C. (2024, October 9). How does the quality of the U.S. health system compare to other countries? Health System Tracker.
