Discuss, in 250 to 300 words, the effect of the Patient Self-Determination Act on health care delivery. Consider how you think records management procedures have had to respond to this piece of legislation.
The Patient Self-Determination Act (PSDA) is a federal law in the United States that was enacted in 1990 with the aim of empowering patients to make decisions regarding their own healthcare. This legislation promotes patient autonomy and provides rights and protections to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their own medical treatment and end-of-life care.
One of the key effects of the PSDA on healthcare delivery is the emphasis it places on patient education and participation in decision-making. Healthcare professionals are now required to inform patients of their rights regarding healthcare decisions, including the right to refuse or discontinue treatment, and to document their preferences through the use of advance directives. This has led to a shift in the dynamics of the patient-provider relationship, with patients being more actively involved in the decision-making process.
Furthermore, the PSDA has had a significant impact on records management procedures in healthcare organizations. In order to comply with this legislation, healthcare providers must ensure that patient records accurately reflect the individual's healthcare wishes as stipulated in their advance directives. As a result, records management procedures have had to be adapted to include the documentation and maintenance of advance directives, living wills, and durable power of attorney for healthcare.
To effectively respond to the PSDA, healthcare organizations have implemented various strategies. Firstly, they have embraced electronic health record (EHR) systems to ensure the accessibility and accuracy of patient records. EHRs allow for easy storage and retrieval of vital patient information, including advance directives, and enable healthcare providers to quickly and consistently access and update patient preferences.
Secondly, healthcare organizations have also established policies and procedures that outline the proper documentation and management of advance directives. This includes training staff on the importance of advance care planning, how to handle and respect patient wishes, and ensuring that advance directive forms are readily available to patients.
Lastly, healthcare organizations have developed processes for reviewing and updating patient records in order to ensure that existing advance directives are current and accurate. Regularly revisiting and discussing the patient's healthcare preferences allows for increased compliance with the PSDA and promotes a patient-centered approach to care.
In conclusion, the Patient Self-Determination Act has had a profound effect on healthcare delivery by promoting patient autonomy and decision-making. Records management procedures have had to adapt to include the documentation and maintenance of advance directives, requiring healthcare organizations to implement electronic health record systems and establish comprehensive policies and procedures. These changes have resulted in a more patient-centered approach to care, where patients' healthcare wishes take precedence in the decision-making process.