Final answer:
The rationale for a nurse's competency in working with integrated care delivery systems in population management is to adapt to the shift from inpatient to primary care and embrace a comprehensive approach to healthcare that focuses on managing the health of the entire population.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse who is using population management needs to be able to work with integrated care delivery systems. The rationale for this competency is:management has shifted from inpatient care to primary care providers as points of entry. This shift requires nurses to collaborate within larger healthcare systems and encompasses various services, from preventive care to chronic disease management. The focus is on providing comprehensive care that manages the health of populations, rather than just treating episodic illnesses in individuals.
With the increased demand in healthcare services due to an aging and less healthy population, and the integration of technology and standardization methods such as telemedicine, the healthcare industry is moving towards more efficient, patient-centered models of care. Nurses must be adept at working within these systems to ensure that they can manage patient populations effectively, which involves accessing integrated data systems, coordinating with different healthcare professionals, and understanding the role of population health in shaping treatment plans and health outcomes.