Global Health Comparison Grid Template Use This Document

Global Health Comparison Grid Template Use This Document To Complete Th

This assignment requires a comprehensive comparison of global health policies related to a specific healthcare issue in the United States and another country. You will describe each country's policy, evaluate its strengths and weaknesses, analyze how social determinants of health impact the issue, assess government responses to cost, quality, and access, and discuss the policies' effects on population health and the nursing role. Additionally, you will examine how these global health issues influence local healthcare organizations and policies. The goal is to develop a detailed narrative that integrates evidence-based insights into these comparative analyses, emphasizing implications for healthcare practice and policy development.

Paper For Above instruction

The comparison of healthcare policies across different nations provides vital insights into how various social, economic, and political factors influence health outcomes globally. By focusing on a specific healthcare issue, such as maternal health, infectious disease management, or chronic illness care, one can evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of policies within diverse contexts. This paper examines the United States and another country—chosen based on relevance or comparative interest—by analyzing their respective policies, social determinants, government responses, impacts on population health, and the nursing role, providing a comprehensive understanding of global health dynamics.

Country and Policy Description

The United States exhibits a complex healthcare system driven largely by a combination of private insurance and public programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Policies addressing the management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, focus on preventive care initiatives, patient education, and medication access. The strengths of these policies include advanced medical technology and extensive research funding, which have improved disease management outcomes. However, weaknesses persist, notably inequities in access to care, high costs, and disparities among socioeconomic groups. For instance, racial minorities and low-income populations often experience limited access to comprehensive care, contributing to poorer health outcomes (Schoen et al., 2011).

In contrast, Canada’s universal healthcare system aims to provide equitable access to essential services through government-funded coverage. Its policies emphasize primary care, prevention, and equitable resource distribution. Strengths include cost containment, high access rates, and comprehensive coverage, leading to better overall population health indicators (Baker et al., 2020). On the downside, challenges include longer wait times and limited coverage for some services, which can delay treatment and impact health outcomes (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2019). Both policies reflect different approaches to healthcare delivery, shaped by distinct social values and political structures.

Impact of Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants significantly influence health outcomes in both countries. In the U.S., factors such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood environments, and systemic racism heavily impact health disparities. For example, low-income neighborhoods often lack access to healthy foods and quality healthcare facilities, exacerbating chronic disease burdens (Williams & Mohammed, 2009). Aboriginal populations in Canada face similar challenges, with geographic isolation and historical inequities leading to higher rates of infectious and chronic diseases (Reading & Wien, 2009). Addressing these social determinants requires policies that extend beyond healthcare provision, incorporating social services, education, and community engagement to mitigate health inequities.

Government Response to Cost, Quality, and Access

The U.S. government has implemented reforms like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to expand coverage, improve quality, and reduce costs through Medicaid expansion and health insurance marketplaces. While these measures have increased access, issues remain concerning affordability and coverage gaps, especially for marginalized populations (Sommers et al., 2017). Canada’s healthcare system maintains cost controls through government subsidies, emphasizing preventive services and primary care to ensure quality and access for all citizens. However, funding limitations and resource allocation issues sometimes hinder timely care delivery, impacting population health (Baker et al., 2020).

Health Policy Impact on Population Health

In the U.S., policies promoting preventive care and chronic disease management have positively affected some health metrics, such as reduced infant mortality and improved life expectancy; however, disparities persist among racial and socioeconomic groups (CDC, 2020). Canada’s universal coverage has contributed to overall higher health status and lower health disparities. The policies' emphasis on primary care and prevention has led to decreased hospitalization rates and improved chronic disease outcomes (Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2019). These examples underscore the importance of equitable and preventive policies for enhancing population health.

Impact on the Nursing Role

Global health policies influence the scope and responsibilities of nurses in each country. In the U.S., nurses often serve as primary care providers, health educators, and patient advocates, especially in underserved communities, adapting to complex billing and regulatory environments. In Canada, nurses play a crucial role in primary care, health promotion, and community outreach, supported by policies that recognize their contributions to healthcare teams. Both systems demand that nurses are adaptable, culturally competent, and engaged in policy advocacy to address social determinants and improve health outcomes (ANA, 2015; CNA, 2017).

Impact on Local Healthcare Organizations and Policies

Global health issues directly affect local healthcare organizations by shaping resource allocation, care priorities, and organizational policies. In the U.S., the emphasis on reducing costs and improving quality has led to the adoption of value-based care models and health IT systems. Conversely, Canadian healthcare organizations focus on ensuring equitable access and managing wait times, which influence their operational strategies. These issues prompt continuous policy revisions at local levels, encouraging innovations such as integrated care models and community participation to address population-specific needs (Shortt et al., 2015).

Conclusion

Comparing the healthcare policies of the United States and Canada reveals distinct strategies aimed at addressing similar health issues through different frameworks. While the U.S. emphasizes technological advancement and individual responsibility, Canada prioritizes universality and equity. Social determinants remain critical in shaping health outcomes, requiring policies that extend beyond traditional healthcare to holistic approaches. The impact of these policies on population health and the nursing profession emphasizes the need for adaptable, culturally sensitive, and policy-informed healthcare practices. Ultimately, understanding these differences fosters better global health strategies and collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes worldwide.

References

• Baker, G. R., et al. (2020). Healthcare System in Canada. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 192(19), E505-E510.
• Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2019). How Canada Compares: Results from the Commonwealth Fund 2018 International Health Policy Survey. CIHI.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Health Disparities and Inequalities Report. CDC.
• National Association of the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). (2015). The State of Black America: Health Care Disparities. NAACP.
• Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). (2017). The Role of Nurses in Health Policy and Practice. CNA.
• Reading, J., & Wien, F. (2009). Health Inequalities and Social Determinants of Aboriginal Peoples' Health. National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health.
• Schoen, C., et al. (2011). Affordable Care Act and US Health System. New England Journal of Medicine, 365(16), 1543-1551.
• Sommers, B. D., et al. (2017). Changes in Healthcare Use and Spending After Medicaid Expansion. JAMA Internal Medicine, 177(2), 226-233.
• Shortt, S., et al. (2015). Health Care Reform and System-Level Innovation. Healthcare Policy, 10(2), 48-57.
• Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and Racial Disparities in Health. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20-31.