BHA FPX 4003 Assessment 3 Health Care Professionals: Roles and Responsibilities

Student Name

Capella University

BHA-FPX4003 Present and Future State Developments within the United States Health Care System

Prof. Name

Date

Healthcare Professionals: The Cornerstones of the Industry

In the dynamic realm of healthcare, the indispensable role of healthcare professionals remains unwavering as the industry continues to evolve and progress. Patients depend on healthcare professionals to foster a secure, ethical, and trusting relationship regarding their well-being. Additionally, amidst the perpetual evolution of the pharmaceutical sector, there is an ongoing demand for healthcare professionals to lead innovations in healthcare delivery. Particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have become even more invaluable, pioneering novel solutions to alleviate the impact of the virus.

The Emergence of Advanced Practice Providers: A Historical Outlook

Approximately five decades ago, the landscape of healthcare witnessed the emergence of the Advanced Practice Provider (APP) roles. In 1985, visionaries convened under an apple tree in Pennsylvania to address the growing need for APPs across various specialties to have a unified voice. Consequently, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) was founded to serve as The Voice of the Nurse Practitioner®. Through their visionary leadership, the AANP has grown to advocate for the interests of over 355,000 NPs nationwide (AANP, 2022).

The Inception of Physician Assistants: Bridging Healthcare Gaps

Similarly, around half a century ago, the Physician Assistant (PA) profession emerged to tackle the shortage of primary care physicians. In the mid-1960s, under the guidance of Eugene A. Stead Jr., MD, the inaugural class of PAs was assembled at Duke University Medical Center, consisting of four Navy Hospital Corpsmen with extensive medical training. Modeled after the expedited training of doctors during World War II, the PA curriculum was established, with the first class graduating in 1967 (AAPA, 2022).

The Evolution of Hospice Care: Addressing the Needs of the Terminally Ill

The concept of hospice care, pioneered by Dame Cicely Saunders in 1963, marked a significant paradigm shift in healthcare for the terminally ill. Stemming from the compassionate care provided to terminally ill Polish refugees, modern hospice care has progressed from basic caregiving to comprehensive palliative care, prioritizing dignity and support for the incurably ill (NHPCO, 2022).

Comparative Analysis: Advanced Practice Providers in Focus

Both Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants have experienced an increase in demand for their expertise, particularly following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. With an aging population, NPs and PAs play increasingly crucial roles in healthcare delivery. Their educational backgrounds, responsibilities, and contributions have become integral facets of the healthcare landscape over the past five decades (International Medical Aid, 2022).

Roles and Responsibilities in Healthcare Management

From attending physicians overseeing patient care to healthcare administrators facilitating appointments and managing finances, the healthcare ecosystem encompasses a diverse array of professionals. Clinicians, tasked with diagnosing and treating patients, collaborate with administrators and practitioners to ensure comprehensive and accessible healthcare for all.

BHA FPX 4003 Assessment 3 Health Care Professionals: Roles and Responsibilities

Conclusion

This exploration underscores the significance of healthcare professionals in navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. By tracing their historical origins and evaluating their evolving roles, it becomes evident that healthcare professionals are the cornerstone of patient-centric care delivery.

References

American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). (2022). About the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/about/about-the-american-association-of-nurse-practitioners-aanp/historical-timeline

American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA). (2022). History of the AAPA. Retrieved from https://www.aapa.org/about/history/

International Medical Aid. (2022). Nurse Practitioner vs. Physician Assistant: What’s the Difference? Retrieved from https://medicalaid.org/nurse-practitioner-vs-physician-assistant-whats-the-difference/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4uaUBhC8ARIsANUuDjVedDChM4y3BEktvBIuVcBqbP1Ssq5i9pKMS0FzmOE1tYjialNz1WgaAoxfEALw_wcB

BHA FPX 4003 Assessment 3 Health Care Professionals: Roles and Responsibilities

National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO). (2022). History of Hospice Care. Retrieved from https://www.nhpco.org/hospice-care-overview/history-of-hospice/