Health care in the United States is changing. A paradigm shift is occurring as more and more health care organizations are reorganizing existing business models from inpatient to outpatient services. That being said, you have been tasked to develop a proposal for the development of a health care facility that is designed to meet the rapidly changing health care needs. Within your proposal, you are required to research and discuss the following:
- The type of facility you are recommending and the rationale behind your recommendation. For example, if you chose an ambulatory care facility, explain the reasons why this type of facility would be recommended over another type.
- The type of health care delivery and services that are provided at the facility.
- The type of staff that will work in the facility. Specify the position categories and/or titles for these positions and include what are the credentials or licensures required by these positions in the state in which you live where you proposed facility would be located.
Note: You should include a minimum of 3 references, properly cited in APA format.
Title: Proposal for the Development of an Ambulatory Care Facility to Meet Changing Healthcare Needs
Introduction: The landscape of healthcare in the United States is undergoing a significant transformation, marked by a shift from traditional inpatient services to outpatient care. This paradigm shift is driven by various factors such as advances in medical technology, changes in reimbursement models, and a growing emphasis on preventive and community-based healthcare. In response to these changes, this proposal advocates for the development of an ambulatory care facility to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the population.
Type of Facility Recommended and Rationale: An ambulatory care facility is recommended as it aligns with the current trends in healthcare delivery and offers several advantages over traditional inpatient settings. Ambulatory care facilities provide outpatient services, allowing patients to receive medical care without the need for overnight hospitalization. This model promotes convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, catering to the preferences of modern healthcare consumers who seek more convenient and less disruptive care options. Furthermore, ambulatory care facilities facilitate the delivery of preventive care, chronic disease management, and minor surgical procedures in a timely and efficient manner, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Type of Health Care Delivery and Services: The proposed ambulatory care facility will offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services to address the diverse needs of the community. These services may include:
- Primary Care: Routine check-ups, preventive screenings, vaccinations, and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Specialty Care: Consultations and treatments provided by specialists in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, and gastroenterology.
- Diagnostic Services: Laboratory tests, imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, ultrasounds), and diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopy, colonoscopy).
- Urgent Care: Immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including minor fractures, cuts, and infections.
- Ambulatory Surgery: Outpatient surgical procedures performed in a specialized surgical suite equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed by skilled surgical teams.
Type of Staff: The staffing of the ambulatory care facility will comprise various healthcare professionals with diverse skill sets to ensure the delivery of high-quality care. The following are the key position categories and titles, along with the required credentials or licensures in the state:
- Physicians:
- Primary Care Physicians (MD or DO): Board-certified in family medicine, internal medicine, or pediatrics.
- Specialists (MD or DO): Board-certified in their respective specialties (e.g., cardiology, orthopedics).
- Advanced Practice Providers:
- Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Physician Assistants (PA): Licensed with advanced practice certification in their respective specialties.
- Nurses:
- Registered Nurses (RN): Licensed with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN): Licensed with a diploma or associate degree in nursing.
- Allied Health Professionals:
- Medical Technologists: Certified with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or related field.
- Radiologic Technologists: Certified with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology.
- Support Staff:
- Medical Assistants: Certified or registered with completion of a medical assisting program.
- Administrative Staff: Trained in healthcare administration with proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) systems.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the development of an ambulatory care facility represents a strategic response to the changing landscape of healthcare in the United States. By offering convenient access to a comprehensive range of outpatient services, the proposed facility aims to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community while promoting efficiency, affordability, and patient-centered care. Through careful planning and strategic staffing, the ambulatory care facility will be well-positioned to deliver high-quality healthcare services and contribute to the improvement of population health outcomes.
References:
- American Hospital Association. (2020). Ambulatory care: A growing focus in health care. Retrieved from https://www.aha.org/system/files/media/file/2020/05/aha-fact-sheet-ambulatory-care-05-20-2020.pdf
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2021). Ambulatory surgical centers. Retrieved from https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/CertificationandComplianc/ASCs
- Institute of Medicine. (2001). Crossing the quality chasm: A new health system for the 21st century. National Academies Press.