Discuss what you hope to get from this class that will help you with your future endeavors? (250 words about taking Population Health class)
Repond to below post in first person (250 words)
Pillars of Population Health
Population health refers to the overall health status and distribution of health outcomes within a specific group of people (Nash et al., 2019). Rather than focusing solely on individual health, it aims to improve the health of entire populations (Nash et al., 2019). This approach considers various factors that influence health at a population level, including social determinants of health, access to healthcare, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices (Nash et al., 2019). The goal is to enhance health outcomes and the overall quality of life in communities (Nash et al., 2019). This comprehensive approach is supported by four key pillars: Care Management, Quality and Safety, Public Health, and Health Policy, each of which plays a significant role in the healthcare system (Nash et al., 2019). The practice of nursing is essential for the successful implementation of population health initiatives.
Chronic Care Management
Chronic Care Management, as a pillar of population health, is about improving coordination across different care settings and promoting evidence-based clinical management and effective self-care (Nash et al., 2019). It focuses on offering care and assistance to individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, a domain where nurses play a critical role (Department of Health & Human Services, 2022). They oversee these conditions by providing education, monitoring patients’ health status, and coordinating care across different healthcare settings. As caregivers, nurses are integral to care management, ensuring the seamless continuity of care across diverse healthcare settings and services (Department of Health & Human Services, 2022). Their direct influence on patient outcomes and satisfaction underscores their importance in this field, keeping them at the forefront of chronic care management (Department of Health & Human Services, 2022).
Quality and Safety
Quality and safety improvement in healthcare depends on the active involvement of patients and provider teams who are motivated to assess the structure and organization of healthcare delivery (Nash et al., 2019). They work to correct any processes or workflows that result in errors (Nash et al., 2019). Nurses are integral to quality improvement efforts by monitoring patient safety and advocating for the implementation of best practices in healthcare delivery. (Wakefield et al., 2021).
Public Health
The third pillar, public health, establishes a framework for identifying health determinants, health disparities, and disease burden and implementing strategies to address community-wide health concerns (Nash et al., 2019). Public health professionals, including nurses, are crucial in engaging with communities and healthcare organizations. They serve as educators and advocates, focusing on identifying health determinants, health disparities, and disease burdens. This approach enables the development and implementation of strategies to address health concerns affecting entire communities. Nurses actively contribute to public health by participating in health promotion, disease prevention activities, community education, and advocacy efforts to improve community health and reduce health disparities (Wakefield et al., 2021).
Health Policy
Policy efforts are a crucial component in supporting population-focused care management, quality, and safety, as well as public health. (Nash et al., 2019) This aspect involves developing, implementing, and evaluating policies that impact healthcare systems and public health initiatives (Nash et al., 2019). It is imperative to ensure that healthcare is accessible, equitable, and able to be maintained (Nash et al., 2019). Nurses play a significant role in health policy by advocating for changes in policies that enhance the healthcare system, contributing to policy development, and integrating health policies into their practice. Their distinctive perspective and expertise enable nurses to influence policy decisions that impact healthcare delivery and the population’s health outcomes (Nash et al., 2019).
Conclusion
The foundation of population health is built on several critical pillars designed to enhance the overall health of communities. These pillars include care management, quality and safety, public health, and health policy. They serve as fundamental elements that enable healthcare professionals, focusing on nurses, to confront the intricate issues in the healthcare industry. By incorporating these pillars into daily practice, nurses can advance population health, promote community well-being, and establish a more efficient and fair healthcare system.
