Healthcare Policy Competing Needs
Post an explanation of how competing needs, such as the needs of the workforce, resources, and patients, may impact the development of policy. Then, describe any specific competing needs that may impact the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected. What are the impacts, and how might policy address these competing needs? Be specific and provide examples.
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Healthcare Policy Competing Needs
Post: Competing Needs in Healthcare Policy Development
The development of healthcare policy is often shaped by competing needs among stakeholders—particularly the workforce, available resources, and patient populations. These needs can create tension and require careful balancing to craft effective, equitable policies. For instance, the workforce may demand better wages, manageable workloads, and professional development opportunities. At the same time, patients seek accessible, high-quality, and affordable care. Limited financial and human resources can constrain both.
One example of this dynamic is in addressing burnout among healthcare workers, especially nurses—a growing national healthcare stressor. Hospitals face pressure to reduce costs, leading to staffing cuts or hiring freezes. Yet this increases workloads for remaining staff, directly contributing to burnout, reduced job satisfaction, and high turnover rates. Patients are affected too—overburdened staff can lead to longer wait times, errors, and lower quality care.
Competing Needs Example:
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Workforce: Nurses need safe staffing levels and mental health support.
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Patients: Require timely, compassionate, and competent care.
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Resources: Hospitals aim to manage budgets amid staffing shortages and rising operational costs.
Impacts and Policy Solutions:
Policy must navigate these tensions by promoting safe staffing legislation, such as mandated nurse-to-patient ratios, which protect patient safety and reduce burnout. For example, California’s Assembly Bill 394 established such ratios, resulting in improved patient outcomes and job satisfaction.
Another policy response is to increase federal and state funding for nurse residency programs and loan forgiveness for those entering underserved areas. This supports workforce sustainability while enhancing patient access.
