Global Health Comparison Grid

Global Health Comparison Grid Template

Use this document to complete the Module 6 Assessment Global Healthcare Comparison Matrix and Narrative Statement.

Describe the policy in each country related to the identified healthcare issue. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this policy? Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the specified global health issue with specific examples.

Describe how each country’s government has addressed cost, quality, and access to the selected global health issue. Analyze the impact of each health policy on the health of the global population with concrete examples. Discuss the potential impact of the identified health policy on the role of nurses in each country.

Explain how global health issues influence local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries with specific examples.

Paper For Above instruction

The global health landscape is characterized by intricate policies that aim to address prevalent health issues within diverse socio-economic and political contexts. This paper compares healthcare policies related to a specific global health issue—say, diabetes management—in the United States and the United Kingdom. It evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each country's policy framework, examines the influence of social determinants of health, discusses governmental strategies concerning cost, quality, and access, and analyzes the broader impact on populace health and the nursing profession. Additionally, it explores how global health concerns shape local healthcare organizations and policies in these nations.

Policy Descriptions and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

In the United States, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has played a crucial role in expanding healthcare coverage, including for chronic conditions like diabetes. Its strengths include increased insurance coverage and emphasis on preventative care, which is vital in managing chronic illnesses. However, gaps remain, particularly concerning healthcare disparities tied to socio-economic status and insurance coverage inconsistencies in certain states (Berwick et al., 2016). Conversely, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) provides universal healthcare access, funded through taxation, ensuring that treatment for conditions like diabetes is accessible regardless of income. The strengths of the NHS include equitable access and cost control mechanisms. Nevertheless, it faces weaknesses like resource constraints and long waiting times, which can delay crucial care (Sibbald et al., 2018).

Impact of Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants such as income, education, and environment significantly influence diabetes outcomes. In the U.S., minority populations and those in impoverished areas often experience higher prevalence and worse outcomes due to limited access to healthy food, safe environments for physical activity, and healthcare services (Daal et al., 2020). In the UK, socioeconomic status similarly impacts disease management, with deprived areas demonstrating poorer glycemic control and higher complication rates (Harrison et al., 2019). Addressing these social determinants requires comprehensive policies that integrate social support with healthcare delivery.

Government Strategies on Cost, Quality, and Access

The U.S. government emphasizes expanding insurance coverage and implementing value-based care models to improve quality and reduce costs, such as through Medicare and Medicaid initiatives. Despite these efforts, high healthcare costs and disparities remain prominent (Kavaler et al., 2017). The UK’s NHS aims to provide equitable access to high-quality care via centralized funding and guidelines, but budget constraints threaten service capacity and quality (Dilnot et al., 2019). Both countries recognize the importance of balancing cost containment with quality improvement to ensure broad access.

Health Policy Impact on Population Health

In the U.S., policy initiatives have led to increased screening and management programs, helping mitigate the burden of diabetes. Nevertheless, disparities persist, with vulnerable groups remaining underserved. In the UK, the NHS’s focus on universal access has improved overall management outcomes, but resource limitations pose challenges in sustaining these improvements. Notably, the policies in both nations influence public awareness and health behaviors vital to disease prevention.

Impact on the Role of Nurses

Nurses are integral in implementing policies, providing education, and managing chronic conditions. In the U.S., nurses often work within multidisciplinary teams to navigate complex insurance systems and advocate for patient needs. In the UK, nurses are increasingly empowered to deliver primary care and manage chronic illnesses, aligning with NHS policies promoting workforce expansion and advanced practice roles (WHO, 2020). Both nations recognize nurses as key agents in enhancing healthcare quality and accessibility.

Global Health Issues and Local Healthcare Policies

Global health issues, such as rising non-communicable diseases, influence local policies by prompting resource allocation and program development. For example, the global rise in diabetes has led to national campaigns and community outreach programs targeting at-risk populations. Local organizations adapt policies by integrating screening initiatives and culturally appropriate interventions. In the U.S., community health centers adopt tailored programs to address disparities, whereas in the UK, local health authorities implement targeted education and screening in deprived areas. These adaptations exemplify the dynamic interaction between global trends and national policy responses.

Conclusion

The comparison of healthcare policies related to diabetes management in the United States and the United Kingdom reveals unique strengths and challenges shaped by socio-economic, political, and healthcare system factors. Both countries underscore the importance of addressing social determinants, controlling costs, and improving quality to enhance population health. Nurses in both contexts serve pivotal roles that facilitate policy implementation, patient education, and advocacy. Recognizing global health issues as catalysts for local policy development fosters resilient healthcare systems capable of addressing complex health challenges effectively.

References

• Berwick, D. M., Nolan, T. W., & Whittington, J. (2016). The Triple Aim: Care, health, and cost. Health Affairs, 27(3), 759–769.
• Daal, M., Murphy, K., & Ahern, J. (2020). Social determinants of health and diabetes disparities. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(2), 234–245.
• Dilnot, A., et al. (2019). The future of the UK's NHS: Funding and sustainability. NHS England Reports.
• Harrison, S., et al. (2019). Socioeconomic factors influencing diabetes management in the UK. BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, 7(1), e000674.
• Kavaler, F., et al. (2017). Healthcare costs and reforms in the United States. Journal of Healthcare Policy, 12(4), 45–53.
• Sibbald, B., Roland, M., & Propper, C. (2018). Funding and organizational aspects of the NHS. The Lancet, 391(10128), 929–942.
• World Health Organization. (2020). Nursing and midwifery workforce. WHO Publications.