Health Policy Formulation and analysis.Health, Medicine, Nursing Essay

Health Policy Formulation and Analysis
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Institution
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Health Policy Formulation and Analysis
Staffing
Define the problem
Dan White (2016) writes that the “healthcare industry is quickly becoming the largest employment sector in the U.S. economy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.” The healthcare industry has experienced major improvements and growth in the last few years. The growth has been massive to the point where the “two fastest growing occupational groups are healthcare practitioners and healthcare support” (White, 2016). However, in spite of the above, the healthcare industry is also producing or is responsible for major increments in the number of job openings in the country. Shortages in nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals is or has already become a major problem in the healthcare industry. Apparently, with every month that passes, there is a continued rise or significant increase in demand for healthcare services. While this happens, however, White writes that “the cumulative total of unfilled jobs continues to accrue.” Staffing is and has been a major headache in the healthcare industry. So, there is a need for the development and adoption of new policies that will help increase the supply of nurses, physicians, and other medical practitioners.
Assemble the evidence of the problem or need for a policy
With each passing year, the US continues to experience a surge in the demand for physicians, nurses, and other medical practitioners. The above is as a result of several factors including the aging population which continues to increase annually. Harris Williams & Co (2015) report that “the aging U.S. population is expected to drive increased demand for healthcare services, specifically in acute care environments.” The article continues to say that “Americans over 65 are expected to grow from 40 million in 2010 to 73 million in 2030.” This will, of course, drive or lead to a surge in healthcare utilization because as Harris Williams & Co write, “this population is more susceptible to diseases and physical ailments that require acute care.” The above is a warning that the future will not forgive the negligence of today. So, a policy is indeed of the essence.
Another piece of evidence that should be alarming is highlighted by the Association of American Medical Colleges. From the article, “physician demand continues to grow faster than supply, leading to a projected shortfall of between 42,600 and 121,300 physicians by 2030.” These are huge numbers and the repercussion of lacking a number this high of physicians would be disastrous to the healthcare of the nation. The report indicates that this deficit is as a result of a “growing and aging population” as well as “growing prevalence of chronic disease, and a recovering economy.” Apparently, as the economy recovers, more people are able to afford healthcare services and this drives the need physicians higher. Without taking action and enacting and adopting proper policies, the nation will find itself on its knees in less than 20 years.
Construct alternative solutions to the problem
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