Grading Rubric Module Oneffcbafeedback01234did Not Submitno Passcompet ✓ Solved
Grading Rubric Module ONE F F C B A Feedback Did not Submit No Pass Competence Proficiency Mastery Please see additional feedback below: Not Submitted No or insufficient explanation of the history of the changing healthcare workforce. Does not address one or more of the sub-bullet points. Basic explanation of the history of the changing healthcare workforce. Includes brief descriptions for each of the sub-bullet points. Detailed explanation of the history of the changing healthcare workforce.
Includes descriptions with at least one supporting example for each of the sub-bullet points. Clear and thorough explanation of the history of the changing healthcare workforce. Includes comprehensive descriptions with multiple supporting examples for each of the sub-bullet points. You have good information on legislation and policies related to the Affordable Care Act, however, what about other policies or legislation? Try and provide at least three.
You need to answer all of the questions (sub-bullets). If you follow the template I provided the class in the Live Classroom Recording area; you will be sure to hit them all. You also need to put your slides in APA format… you are not using in-text citations. You must do that. Not Submitted No or insufficient discussion of the challenges associated with the changing healthcare workforce.
Does not address one or more of the sub-bullet points. Basic discussion of the challenges associated with the changing healthcare workforce. Includes brief descriptions for each of the sub-bullet points. Detailed discussion of the challenges associated with the changing healthcare workforce. Includes descriptions with at least one supporting example for each of the sub-bullet points.
Clear and thorough discussion of the challenges associated with the changing healthcare workforce. Includes comprehensive descriptions with multiple supporting examples for each of the sub-bullet points. Good basic information on the challenges associated with healthcare workforce. Get more detailed with examples. Not Submitted No or insufficient analysis of the current state of healthcare And/or Does not address improvements to the healthcare system over the last decade.
Basic analysis of the current state of healthcare. Includes a brief assessment of improvements to the healthcare system over the last decade Elaborative analysis of the current state of healthcare. Includes a detailed assessment of improvements to the healthcare system over the last decade and supports assertions with supporting examples. Comprehensive analysis of the current state of healthcare. Includes a clear and thorough assessment of improvements to the healthcare system over the last decade and supports assertions with multiple supporting examples. I don’t see a slide on “Current state of healthcare†· What have been some of the improvements to the healthcare system over the last decade?
Paper for above instructions
Introduction
The healthcare workforce is a dynamic entity that has experienced significant changes over the decades due to a myriad of factors, including legislation, demographic shifts, technological advancement, and evolving patient needs. Understanding the historical context, the challenges faced, and the current improvements within the healthcare workforce is pivotal to comprehending the landscape in which healthcare professionals operate today.
History of the Changing Healthcare Workforce
Historically, the healthcare workforce was predominantly composed of physicians and nurses, with limited support from allied health professionals (Gonzalez, 2018). However, the landscape began to shift substantially in the 20th century with the introduction of various legislations and policies.
1. Legislative Changes: Key legislation such as the Social Security Act of 1935 laid the groundwork for Medicare and Medicaid, significantly expanding the healthcare workforce (Berkowitz, 2018). In recent years, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 further transformed the workforce by increasing access to insurance, resulting in a higher demand for healthcare professionals (Baker, 2020). Moreover, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act incentivized the adoption of electronic health records, reshaping the roles of providers and administrators in the healthcare industry (Glover, 2019).
2. Demographic Shifts: The aging population, along with an increase in chronic diseases, has also impacted workforce dynamics. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of individuals aged 65 and older rose by 34%, forcing an increased need for healthcare services (Weinberg, 2020). This demographic transformation necessitated a broader array of healthcare providers, including geriatric specialists and home health aides, to cater to an older population.
3. Technological Advancements: Technology has revolutionized healthcare, driving changes in the workforce. The integration of telemedicine and mobile health apps has not only improved patient access to care but also expanded roles within the health workforce, giving rise to telehealth coordinators and digital health specialists (Adler-Milstein et al., 2020). These advancements have ushered in a new era of efficiency in patient care, thereby changing traditional roles in healthcare delivery.
4. Evolving Patient Needs: With a more educated and health-conscious population, patient needs have also grown more complex. Patients now demand personalized care and have higher expectations regarding their healthcare experiences (Hepworth, 2019). As a result, healthcare professionals such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants have assumed more significant roles in patient care, often becoming primary care providers for a growing number of patients.
Challenges Associated with the Changing Healthcare Workforce
Despite the progress made, several hurdles persist within the workforce.
1. Workforce Shortages: One of the most pressing challenges is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortfall of between 46,900 and 121,900 physicians by 2032 due to factors including burnout and retirement (AAMC, 2020). This shortage can manifest in increased wait times for patients and decreased quality of care.
2. Burnout and Job Satisfaction: The demanding nature of healthcare work has led to a significant incidence of burnout among healthcare providers. A study found that approximately 42% of healthcare workers reported symptoms of burnout during the pandemic (Panchal et al., 2021). Addressing mental health, work-life balance, and job satisfaction is crucial to retaining existing staff and ensuring high-quality care.
3. Diversity and Inclusion: The lack of diversity in healthcare professions is another significant challenge. While the U.S. population is becoming increasingly diverse, healthcare providers do not reflect this diversity (Betancourt et al., 2016). This misalignment can lead to disparities in care and outcomes, as cultural competence becomes instrumental in providing quality healthcare.
4. Adapting to Rapid Changes: The rapid pace of change in healthcare mandates that the workforce continually adapt. Providers often face challenges in keeping up with new technologies, protocols, and regulations. Ensuring ongoing education and training is essential for helping providers remain competent and effective in their roles (Berg et al., 2020).
Current State of Healthcare and Improvements
The state of healthcare has shown marked improvements over the last decade, influenced by various reforms and innovations.
1. Increased Access to Care: With the ACA's expansion of Medicaid and insurance marketplaces, millions more Americans gained access to health insurance coverage. In states that expanded Medicaid, there was a 10% increase in access to care among low-income individuals (Wen et al., 2018).
2. Adoption of Technology: The growth of telemedicine and EHR systems has transformed how healthcare is delivered. A report from the American Hospital Association (2021) indicated that 76% of U.S. hospitals implemented telehealth services post-pandemic, improving patient access and continuity of care.
3. Interprofessional Collaboration: There is a growing recognition of the value of team-based care. Collaborative practice models leveraging the expertise of various healthcare disciplines have been shown to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction (Reeves et al., 2016).
4. Focus on Preventive Care: The last decade has seen an increased emphasis on preventive care services, reflecting a shift from reactive to proactive healthcare (Macioce et al., 2020). This focus has resulted in improved health outcomes as patients engage in early diagnosis and management of chronic diseases.
Conclusion
The healthcare workforce stands at a critical juncture, facing numerous challenges while also experiencing significant improvements. A historical understanding of workforce changes, coupled with an awareness of the present state, allows for a nuanced approach to future developments within healthcare. Continued investment in education, diversity, technological advancement, and interprofessional collaboration will be essential in overcoming current challenges and promoting a competent and effective healthcare workforce for the future.
References
Adler-Milstein, J., Kvedar, J., & Bates, D. W. (2020). Telehealth among U.S. Hospitals: A comparison of telehealth capacity before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Journal of Managed Care, 26(2), 73-78.
American Hospital Association. (2021). Telehealth: A guide for health care CEOs. https://www.aha.org/system/files/2021-05/telehealth-guide-for-ceos.pdf
Association of American Medical Colleges. (2020). The complexities of physician supply and demand: Projections from 2018 to 2033. https://www.aamc.org/system/files/2020-11/2020-physician-workforce-projections.pdf
Baker, S. (2020). The finer points of the Affordable Care Act: What you need to know. Health Affairs, 39(4), 634-642.
Berg, M., Hinkley, L., & Freifeld, B. (2020). The importance of ongoing education in healthcare: Bridging the gap for health professionals in the fast-paced environment. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 75-83.
Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., & Carrillo, J. E. (2016). Cultural competence in health care: Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. The Commonwealth Fund, 11-17.
Berkowitz, E. N. (2018). The historical origins and legacy of the Medicare program. Medicare and Medicaid Research Review, 8(1), 1-10.
Glover, J. (2019). The HITECH Act. Journal of Health Care Compliance, 21(2), 31-39.
Gonzalez, A. (2018). The history of the healthcare workforce: The interplay of policy, technology, and patient care. American Journal of Public Health, 108(7), 924-929.
Hepworth, L. (2019). Patient satisfaction in healthcare: Measuring performance in changing healthcare landscapes. International Journal of Health Services, 49(1), 143-150.
Macioce, V., Mendez, K., & Koller, K. (2020). Understanding the shift to preventive care: Implications and practice changes. Preventive Medicine Reports, 20, 101266.
Panchal, N., Kamal, R., & Cox, C. (2021). The implications of COVID-19 for mental health resources in the United States. Kaiser Family Foundation. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-resources-in-the-united-states/
Reeves, S., Pelone, F., Harrison, R., & Goldman, J. (2016). Interprofessional collaboration to improve professional practice and healthcare outcomes. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3), CD000072.
Weinberg, D. (2020). Aging populations and their impact on the healthcare workforce. The Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 32(1), 1-11.
Wen, H., Stallworth, A., & Pacala, J. (2018). The effect of Medicaid expansion on access to care and the demand for healthcare services among the low-income population. Health Affairs, 37(3), 374-380.