The current health care system is reportedly in need of re-engineering . One of the means noted to improve the delivery of health care was to implement a best practices and integrated delivery system that aims to minimize cost and maximize the effectiveness of patient care. Through the recommended approach, health care practitioners, especially nurse managers and leaders play a crucial role in the re-engineering of health care.
Nurse managers and leaders could contribute towards a more efficient delivery of health care through assuming a proactive stance in enabling consumers to be a collaborative part of the health care process. As emphasized, “the most appropriate application of best practices requires consumers to understand their health care and be involved in treatment decisions” (Simons & Adams, 2013, par. 9). The authors emphasized that pertinent questions must be asked by patients or their family members. The questions should include: costs of various tests and recommended procedures; expectations; similar experiences of other patients; any potential complications; as well as benefits and costs of the proposed courses of actions. These concerns should be laid out prior to decision-making of patients. Thus, nurse managers can assist consumers in seeking the needed responses to decisions that need to be made regarding various interventions to improve their health condition. In addition, nurse managers are in the appropriate capacity to enhance the awarness of the patients with regards to diagnosis made; and if further consultations or referrals to other health care professionals would be required. As nurse managers, they have been trained and oriented to undertake the relevant functions of planning, organizing, directing and controlling various facets of the delivery of patient care. In this regard, they are considered authorized and competent to suggest ways of minimizing costs; yet optimizing the benefits that could be derived from the recommended delivery of health care.
Reference
Simons, J., & Adams, P. (2013, October 8). Health care system in need of re-engineering. Retrieved from Brainerd Dispatch: http://brainerddispatch.com/opinion/guest-columns/2013-10-08/health-care-system-need-re-engineering
