In 2000, costs are predicted to reach double digits across the board. A new form of managed care will incorporate effective systems from traditional HMOs and other forms of managed care. Nurses will have the opportunity to embrace, rather than resist, this new model and become active leaders. Informed consumers will continue to change health care. Largely due to their widespread Internet access and use, patients find detailed health care information before they enter the care continuum.
Many Web sites target consumers with information about medical diagnoses.
They typically offer the facts about treatment, research, and other educational resources. Nurses will apply more evidence-based practice in direct patient care. A focus on outcomes management will drive planning and implementation models in many settings. True outcomes of interventions for patient groups will dictate future funding and resource management. Interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-training will accelerate.