Topics 1 and 2 introduce the various institutions and workforce segments that currently make up the American health care system. Comparisons are made with other industrialized countries. In topic 4, managed care is presented as a major emerging force in health care decision making and delivery. The impact of managed care reforms on the Family Nurse Practitioner role is emphasized. This course, made up of four topical areas, introduces the need for and tools currently available to measure the quality of health care in this country.
Special emphasis is given to identifying and measuring nursing-sensitive patient outcomes.
This course also introduces case management and disease management as strategies for achieving desired patient outcomes through the coordination of care. Topics 1 and 2 examine the multitude of means by which quality of health care is currently assessed and measured in this country. Research based quality initiatives such as standardized clinical practice guidelines, benchmarking and report cards are emphasized. In topics 3 and 4, case management and disease management are introduced and compared. The relationship between treatment options, resource use and patient outcomes is emphasized.