Private sector
According to Dr. Wilson, the private sector, which consists of insurance companies, health plans, pharmaceutical and device manufacturers, has a critical responsibility in the healthcare system reforms. These stakeholders offer products and services that have direct impacts on lives and health of patients.
Wilson recognizes that these stakeholders have responsibilities beyond business in the healthcare system reform. Hence, they must engage in transparent practices and develop products and services that focus on patient needs rather than market and profit driven.
Government
Elected leaders have curtailed possible reforms in the healthcare sector because of constant bickering. Consequently, it is difficult for any meaningful policy decision or suggestions to be debated.
Wilson notes that elected leaders should have legislation and regulation frameworks to serve the public effectively. Hence, they must overcome partisan tendencies, accommodate and understand diverse views across political divides. It is necessary for public officials to remember that they represent the interests of the public and must act as required by public duty.
Business
Wilson acknowledges that businesses should invest in health of their employees for long-term benefits. Such investments should go beyond providing insurance to encourage healthier lifestyles among employees.
It is therefore imperative for both large and small employers to take keen interests in health of their workforce. Employers should promote healthier habits and practical solutions such as helping employees to quit smoking, offering gym membership and providing healthier diet options.
Potential outcomes will offer both physical and financial rewards. Healthier employees reduce cases of absenteeism related to health issues, obesity, diabetes, cancer and related costly medical bills for managing chronic conditions.
This prescription is effective for external stakeholders to support the ongoing healthcare system reform. It clearly defines how different stakeholders can play their parts to enhance healthcare system reforms in the US. The prescription not only identifies stakeholders, but also highlights specific areas of concerns that require their inputs. Various studies and reports have recognized contributions of different external stakeholders in healthcare system delivery and reforms, and Wilson highlights these issues well.
Patients
Healthcare system reform is all about patients. Wilson argues that patients must educate and empower themselves. Patients must take personal responsibilities to understand the type of healthcare they get.
Patients should make vital health decisions. For instance, families should have insurance, personal physicians and writing preferred end-of-life care. Patients have responsibilities to protect themselves from several preventable diseases. They need to adopt healthier behaviors. Patients must understand that individual health and well-being are critical personal assets and they should not be wasted.
Medical students
Although medical students have just begun their careers, they have to understand what the practice entails. While the healthcare system requires massive reforms, its tradition has been always defined by excellence and it is as strong as ever. American physicians have revolutionized healthcare delivery, medical knowledge and care provision.
Medical students must understand that the profession is incredibly fulfilling. They heal, comfort and relieve patients’ suffering. Hence, it is a great trust and privilege bestowed upon physicians. Medical students will derive such sense of gratification throughout their practice. The ultimate goal is to help patients.
Wilson wants medical students to listen to their patients because patients understand their problems and could offer possible diagnoses too.
Medical students should join medical associations, including AMA. They need to get involved with “organized medicine and take part in leadership in order to influence healthcare reform policies that affect education and future the profession”.
Physicians
Wilson also offers prescription for fellow physicians. He urges physicians to view healthcare system reform as a challenge and a source of tremendous opportunity for all. Wilson urges physicians to support different medical associations because they are the only means through which physicians can address their challenges and provide the required efforts to support provision of effective care to patients.
Wilson looks forward to undivided physicians’ body. There is a need for collaboration among physicians to limit the current differences and support each other. Wilson, as the president of AMA, promises to do what it takes to ensure unity among physicians.
Wilson’s prescription is essential for the ongoing healthcare system reform. It includes all internal stakeholders and defines their roles. It clearly shows that reforms in the healthcare sector require a collaborative approach. These stakeholders must play their roles just as Institute of Medicine has demonstrated.
The required reforms are the responsibility of everyone, including patients, business community, policymakers and medical students among others. Wilson shows how all stakeholders can transform healthcare system in America if they play their parts effectively. Remarkably, these solutions do not require massive resources to implement and monitor.
For instance, the role of nurse leadership remains critical in healthcare reform as other studies have shown, and nurses can only overcome their present challenges through unity. Most importantly, this prescription must change with transformation in the healthcare system.
References
Hain, D., & Fleck, L. M. (2014). Barriers to Nurse Practitioner Practice that Impact Healthcare Redesign. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 19(2), Manuscript 2. DOI: 10.3912/OJIN.Vol19No02Man02.
Institute of Medicine. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press.
Wilson, C. B. (2010, June 15). A Prescription for America’s Health Care System: Inaugural Address. American Medical Association. Retrieved from https://www.ama-assn.org/