NUR-521: Topics in Healthcare Economics

Healthcare managers, particularly those in nursing leadership roles, must have a foundational understanding of healthcare economics to effectively guide their organizations in addressing challenges related to efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare delivery. This knowledge is essential as healthcare systems strive to provide quality care while managing costs and resources. In this course, students will gain an understanding of the critical role health insurance plays in the financing and delivery of healthcare services, including its impact on consurmer demand for care. The course will explore how health insurance payment models influence provider behavior, with a focus on how nursing professionals can adapt to these changes in care delivery. Students will also examine key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and current trends in healthcare transformation, exploring how these policies impact nursing practice and patient outcomes. Additionally, discussions will cover topics such as competition within the healthcare system, the role of government regulations, and the challenge of measuring value in healthcare outcomes, with a focus on how nurses can contribute to improving care quality and efficiency. Topics like cost shifting and the relationship between healthcare spending and patient health outcomes will also be addressed. This course may be substituted for BUS-521 for students enrolled in the MSN Program, Leadership in Nursing Administration concentration. [ 3 credits ]