Reflections

Champions of Health Care Excellence

by Dr. Susan J. Simmons

Editor’s note: Dr. Simmons, a 1990 graduate of the School
of Nursing Ph.D. program and MCG’s 2007 E. Louise Grant Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice recipient, is a health policy consultant.

On a recent trip back to Augusta for MCG’s 2007 Homecoming celebration, I was amazed by the many signs of progress across campus. Ranging from state-of-the-art buildings to picturesque gardens and walking paths, the grounds reminded me of a magnificent blend of tradition and innovation, memories and discoveries—a place where the MCG community can take pride in a shared commitment to health care excellence.

Since completing my doctorate, I have come to appreciate the challenges that test our commitment to this goal. Topping the list, I believe, is the growing national crisis in health care delivery, characterized by inequitable access to care, cost escalations and uncertain quality of care.

As we have seen, incremental efforts to reform the health care system have neither decreased the number of uninsured persons nor reduced health care costs. Sadly, despite higher expenditures, millions of Americans receive little or no health care due to a lack of insurance, the key determinant of access in our country. Adding to this crisis are health care workforce shortages, rising health insurance premiums, declining health care reimbursements and unhealthy lifestyles that produce higher rates of chronic disease and disability.

The upcoming presidential election has prompted several states to unveil comprehensive reform plans that address access, cost and quality of care. Health professionals have participated in many of these discussions and decision-making processes. Key provisions generally include universal insurance coverage, investments in workforce development programs, financial incentives to practice in underserved areas and quality improvement to enhance patient safety and wellness.

Undoubtedly, the scope and complexity of today’s health care crisis require attention and accountability from multiple sectors of society. Whether at the state or national level, health care reform discussions are well-suited to the mission and goals of academic health centers, where education, service and research unite to advance health. In fact, we might view as the flip side of our health care crisis an opportunity to showcase the hallmarks of health care excellence, such as evidence-based practice models, system-wide quality improvement programs and better utilization of all licensed health care providers.

As a nurse, I am proud that my profession has long championed equal access to affordable, safe, high-quality health care for all. Our health care concerns come at a time when growing evidence suggests direct links between investments in nursing (appropriate nurse staffing, higher education levels, favorable work environments) and improved patient outcomes (reduced morbidity and mortality). Most importantly, I am gratified that my profession underscores the value of public-private partnerships to create a common vision and blueprint for how interests, expertise and resources can be combined to optimize health care.

As champions of health care excellence, all health professionals play key roles in generating strategic solutions that broaden health care access, contain costs and promote quality patient outcomes. We can do this by staying well-informed on the issues, by demonstrating our unique and shared value to quality health care and by strengthening alliances with other stakeholders—policymakers, providers, payers and consumers—to improve the health care system.

The cost of inaction is far greater than the investments we can and must make to improve health care in this country. Our window of opportunity is now—and as leaders and advocates for health care excellence, we are vital to shaping the best possible future for our health care system and the people we serve.