Global Health Comparison Grid Template ✓ Solved
Global Health Comparison Grid Template Global Health Comparis
Global Healthcare Comparison Matrix and Narrative Statement.
Describe the policy in each country related to the identified healthcare issue. What are the strengths of this policy? What are the weaknesses of this policy? Explain how the social determinants of health may impact the specified global health issue. (Be specific and provide examples).
How has each country’s government addressed cost, quality, and access to the selected global health issue? How has the identified health policy impacted the health of the global population? (Be specific and provide examples).
Describe the potential impact of the identified health policy on the role of nurse in each country. Explain how global health issues impact local healthcare organizations and policies in both countries. (Be specific and provide examples).
To Prepare: Review the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global health agenda and select one global health issue to focus on for this Assignment. Select at least one additional country to compare to the U.S. for this Assignment. Reflect on how the global health issue you selected is approached in the U.S. and in the additional country you selected.
Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix. Focusing on the country you selected and the U.S., complete the Global Health Comparison Matrix. Be sure to address the following: Consider the U.S. national/federal health policies that have been adapted for the global health issue you selected from the WHO global health agenda. Compare these policies to the additional country you selected for the study.
Part 2: A Plan for Social Change. Reflect on the global health policy comparison and analysis you conducted in Part 1 of the Assignment and the impact that global health issues may have on the world, the U.S., your community, as well as your practice as a nurse leader. In a 1-page response, create a plan for social change that incorporates a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader.
Submit Part 1 and Part 2 of your Assignment.
Paper For Above Instructions
Global health is an increasingly important subject in the face of globalization and inter-connected healthcare challenges. This paper aims to present a comparison of health policies related to a specific global health issue: access to healthcare. The countries analyzed will be the United States and Canada. While both countries are situated in North America, their health policies differ significantly in terms of accessibility, cost, and quality of care. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for pinpointing areas for improvement in health policy and practice.
Global Health Issue Description
The global health issue of access to healthcare is vital, particularly considering the disparities that exist between countries. In the United States, healthcare access is primarily shaped by a mixed system of public and private insurance, with significant portions of the population reliant on employer-sponsored programs. Conversely, Canada operates a predominantly publicly funded healthcare system, known as Medicare, which ensures that all citizens have access to medically necessary hospital and physician services without direct charges at the point of care.
Policies Related to Access to Healthcare
In the United States, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is one of the critical policies designed to enhance healthcare access. The ACA has made significant strides in extending coverage to those who were previously uninsured; however, it has also faced criticism regarding increased premiums and deductibles, which can still create barriers to access.
In contrast, Canada’s healthcare policy aims to provide universal healthcare according to the Canada Health Act. This policy ensures all Canadians have access to medically necessary healthcare services funded through taxation. Strengths of this system include equity of access regardless of income, but weaknesses may involve long wait times for certain specialized services.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of the ACA include increased coverage and consumer protections against discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. However, a notable weakness is that many people remain uninsured or underinsured, with affordability being a critical barrier (Milstead & Short, 2019). In Canada, the strength lies in its universal coverage, which increases the equity of access; however, the potential delays in treatment can adversely affect patient outcomes and satisfaction (Corless et al., 2018).
Impact of Social Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, education, and geography, significantly impact access to healthcare in both countries. For instance, individuals in lower socioeconomic brackets often find it challenging to access even the publicly funded healthcare in Canada due to associated costs, such as transportation and time lost from work. In the U.S., those living in rural areas may struggle more than urban dwellers due to fewer healthcare facilities (Donkin et al., 2017).
Governmental Responses to Cost, Quality, and Access
Both countries have developed initiatives aimed at controlling healthcare costs while improving quality and access. The U.S. government has implemented various cost-control measures under the ACA, such as the establishment of health insurance marketplaces. However, despite these initiatives, the U.S. continues to experience the highest healthcare costs among developed nations. Canada, on the other hand, focuses on the efficiency of its public system, providing a budget for healthcare that varies by province. The challenge remains in balancing cost control while maintaining quality services (Sandoval-Almazana & Gil-Garcia, 2011).
Impact of Health Policies on Global Population Health
The health policies in the United States and Canada have significant impacts on global health. The ACA has highlighted the importance of preventive care and emphasizes addressing social determinants, which is a model that can influence global health initiatives. The Canadian system serves as an example of how universal healthcare can improve population health metrics, such as life expectancy and infant mortality rates (World Health Organization, n.d.).
Nursing Role and Global Health Issues
Nurses play a crucial role in navigating these health policies. In the U.S., nurses may have to work within a system that prioritizes throughput over patient care quality, potentially leading to burnout. In Canada, nurses have a more comprehensive role in health promotion and chronic disease management due to the integrated healthcare system (Corless et al., 2018). Global health issues can profoundly affect local healthcare organizations by necessitating adaptations in strategies and resource allocation to focus on equity and access.
Plan for Social Change
Reflecting on the analysis conducted, the proposed plan for social change must advocate for a global health perspective in local nursing practices. As a nurse leader, I would advocate for integrating global health education into curriculums, emphasizing cultural competence and awareness of social determinants. This incorporation will equip nurses better to serve diverse populations and foster collaboration with healthcare stakeholders to address inequities that are evident in local settings. Implementing this plan will contribute to social change by creating a more informed nursing workforce that advocates for equitable healthcare access across all communities.
References
- Corless, I. B., Nardi, D., Milstead, J. A., Larson, E., Nokes, K. M., Orsega, S., Kurth, A. E., & Woith, W. (2018). Expanding nursing’s role in responding to global pandemics. Nursing Outlook, 66(5), 412–415.
- Donkin, A., Goldblatt, P., Allen, J., Nathanson, V., & Marmot, M. (2017). Global action on the social determinants of health. BMJ Global Health, 3(1). doi:10.1136/bmjgh-2016-000485.
- Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- Sandoval-Almazana, R., & Gil-Garcia, J. R. (2011). Are government internet portals evolving towards more interaction, participation, and collaboration? Government Information Quarterly, 29(Suppl. 1), S72–S81.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). Global health agenda. Retrieved September 20, 2018.