Improving Healthcare: Influence, Self-development, and Patient Organizations

Introduction

Improving the healthcare system in the United States is crucial, and there are multiple ways to achieve this goal. Medical specialists play a significant role in influencing healthcare through state and federal policy formation (Rambur, 2015). Additionally, continuous self-development is essential for healthcare professionals. Patient organizations also have the potential to bring about positive change in healthcare. This essay will discuss various ways to improve the healthcare system.

Ways of Influence

Citizens, including nurses, can express their opinions through voting, which can have a direct impact on healthcare (Rambur, 2015). Political influence can be exerted through various means such as voting, political campaigns, political action committees, and lobbyists. However, contacting policymakers directly can be challenging. Nevertheless, there are simple methods that can help implement desired changes. Personal meetings or phone calls may be more effective than letters or emails. Another approach is to organize meetings with staff members working for senators or representatives. Contacting the chair of a committee in a district can also yield positive results. To become effective political agents, nurses can learn from successful politicians or mentors.

Self-Development

Given the rapid pace of change in the world, healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, need to continually update their skills (Rambur, 2015). Learning new methods and applying them in practice is crucial. Teaching and mentoring are effective ways to enhance vocational skills. Engaging with high-quality medical journals provides access to the latest information. Professional development opportunities offered by nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association, allow nurses to master leadership skills. Although membership in such organizations may require financial investment, it is essential for professional growth.

Patient Organizations

Patient organizations play a significant role in the healthcare system, particularly in Western countries. In the Netherlands, for example, these organizations have an official status and receive support from the government (Van de Bovenkamp & Trappenburg, 2011). Consequently, patient organizations collaborate closely with care providers, health insurance agencies, and pharmaceutical companies. The supervision and influence of the government make patient organizations more reliable. However, the level of governmental influence on society raises concerns about the autonomy of these organizations.

Change in Health Care

The lack of accessibility to healthcare for millions of citizens is a major problem in the current healthcare system (CNBC LCC, 2010). Individuals such as students, the unemployed, and those with low-wage jobs struggle to afford insurance. Addressing this issue should be a priority in healthcare policy. One possible solution is to provide federal tax breaks to those who cannot obtain insurance through their employers.

Conclusion

The healthcare system is vital for all citizens, and it requires significant improvements. Accessibility is a pressing issue, but other healthcare problems are interconnected. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is necessary to enhance the overall performance of the system.

References

1. CNBC LCC (2010). The future of health care: Meeting of the minds. Web.
2. Rambur, B. (2015). Health care finance, economics, and policy for nurses: A foundational guide. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
3. Van de Bovenkamp, H. M., & Trappenburg, M. J. (2011). Government influence on patient organizations. Health Care Analysis, 19(4), 329-351.