Reference no: EM133730767

Case: Protocols at the practice level are precise norms or procedures followed by healthcare clinicians inside a given healthcare facility or organization. They describe the steps to take in response to specific scenarios or conditions (Vanderpool,2021). Protocols at the state level might relate to guidelines or procedures imposed or recommended by state health agencies or professional regulatory organizations. These can be used to standardize processes across multiple healthcare facilities in a state. At the federal level, protocols may refer to instructions or procedures released by federal health agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Food and Drug Administration. These can have a national impact and are frequently based on substantial study and public health issues.

The practice-level standard of care delivery refers to the acceptable level of care that healthcare providers should provide to patients based on current medical knowledge, best practices, and ethical standards within that practice or specialization (Vanderpool,2021). At the state level, the standard of care refers to the legal requirement that healthcare practitioners meet in terms of competence and diligence when providing healthcare services. It can be influenced by state laws, regulations, and the precedents established by court decisions. Federal health agencies' rules and regulations, as well as federal legislation and legal precedents, can all have an impact on the standard of care.

Policies at the practice level are rules or principles that govern the operations and decisions of a healthcare facility or organization. These can include topics including patient care, employee behavior, safety regulations, and administrative procedures. State policies are rules, regulations, and guidelines established by state governments to oversee healthcare practices and procedures inside the state. These may include license requirements, Medicaid policies, or public health efforts. Federal policies are rules, regulations, and guidelines issued by federal agencies or passed by Congress that have an impact on healthcare across the country (Mason,2020). Examples include Medicare policy, healthcare reform legislation, and regulations governing drug approval (Mason,2020)

Patients frequently describe the healthcare delivery system as fragmented and difficult to navigate. Navigating the various providers, specialists, hospitals, and insurance processes can be difficult and complicated for patients. Long wait times, trouble securing timely appointments, a lack of coordination between healthcare providers, and problems comprehending insurance coverage and medical costs are all possible challenges for patients. This impression emphasizes the need for better care coordination and patient-centered initiatives to improve the patient experience and outcomes. (Miller et al.,2024)