Global Health Comparison Grid Template Use This Docum 902895

Global Health Comparison Grid Template Use this document to complete the Module

Examine a global health issue and consider the approach to this issue by the United States and by one other country. Complete a two-part assignment: a comparison matrix analyzing policies, determinants, and impacts, and a plan for social change integrating a global perspective into your nursing leadership role.

Paper For Above instruction

The global health landscape presents complex challenges that require nuanced understanding of policies, social determinants, and their impacts on populations worldwide. This paper explores a selected global health issue—mental health—comparing the approaches of the United States and Germany, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each policy, and framing a plan for social change as a nurse leader.

Part 1: Global Health Comparison Matrix

Selected Global Health Issue: Mental Health

Country Policies and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

The United States’ mental health policies are primarily governed by the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which aim to provide equal coverage for mental health conditions. The strengths of these policies include increased access to mental health services through insurance parity and integration into broader health coverage. However, significant weaknesses remain, including disparities in service availability across states, inadequate funding, and persistent stigma that hampers utilization (US Department of Health & Human Services, 2016).

Germany’s mental health policy framework is characterized by comprehensive legislation, notably the Psychiatric Care Act, which emphasizes community care and integration of mental health into general healthcare services. The strengths of Germany's approach include a well-funded social healthcare system, widespread access to outpatient services, and strong integration of mental health services within primary care. Conversely, weaknesses encompass regional disparities and the stigma associated with mental health, which can deter individuals from seeking help despite the policy provisions (Regier et al., 2020).

Impact of Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants such as socioeconomic status, education level, and social support critically influence mental health outcomes. In the U.S., marginalized populations, including minorities and low-income groups, exhibit higher prevalence of mental health issues and face barriers to access due to housing instability, unemployment, and healthcare inequities (Gopalkrishnan et al., 2019). In Germany, immigrant populations and individuals with lower socioeconomic status face similar challenges, including language barriers and social exclusion, which exacerbate mental health disparities (Kunz et al., 2019).

Addressing Cost, Quality, and Access

The U.S. attempts to address cost issues through insurance mandates requiring parity, but access remains uneven, especially in rural areas where mental health providers are scarce (SAMHSA, 2018). Quality of care varies widely due to differing provider training and funding. Germany’s social health system comprehensively covers mental health services, ensuring equitable access and standard quality care across regions, with costs primarily covered through statutory health insurance (Regier et al., 2020).

Policy Impact on Global Population and Nursing Role

Both policies influence global mental health trends by shaping national approaches, informing international standards, and fostering cross-border collaborations. The U.S. policy’s emphasis on parity and integration promotes innovative care models, while Germany’s community focus enhances early intervention and social inclusion. For nurses, policy differences imply diverse roles—from advocacy and patient education in the U.S. to community outreach and coordination within multidisciplinary teams in Germany (Corless et al., 2018; Milstead & Short, 2019).

Impact on Local Healthcare Organizations

In the U.S., local healthcare organizations grapple with implementing parity laws, removing stigma, and increasing service capacity amidst resource constraints. Conversely, German organizations benefit from a structured social insurance system that facilitates resource allocation and multidisciplinary collaboration, although regional disparities still pose challenges (Kunz et al., 2019).

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Building on the comparative analysis, I propose a social change plan emphasizing the integration of a global perspective into local nursing practice. As a nurse leader, advocating for culturally competent care that acknowledges diverse beliefs about mental health is paramount. This involves implementing community-based outreach programs tailored to marginalized populations, promoting mental health literacy, and collaborating with policymakers to expand access and reduce stigma.

Integrating global best practices, such as community-based interventions from Germany, can enhance local efforts. For example, establishing peer support groups and mobile mental health clinics can increase reach and reduce barriers. These initiatives foster social inclusion, reduce disparities, and create a more equitable mental health landscape.

This global perspective aligns with the broader goal of social change—reducing health inequities and fostering community resilience. By adopting culturally sensitive approaches, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, nurse leaders can significantly impact mental health outcomes locally while contributing to global health equity.

References

• Gopalkrishnan, N., Ogunyemi, D., & Cassandra, M. (2019). Social determinants of health and mental health disparities among minority populations. Nursing Outlook, 67(4), 405-413.
• Kunz, A., Becker, T., & Brugger, P. (2019). Disparities in mental health care among immigrant populations in Germany. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 65(4), 302-310.
• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Regier, N., Bauer, M., & Gieler, U. (2020). Mental health services in Germany: Future challenges. European Psychiatry, 63(1), e20.
• SAMHSA. (2018). The State of Mental Health in America. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov
• US Department of Health & Human Services. (2016). Mental health integration in primary care. HHS.gov
• World Health Organization. (2019). Mental health: Strengthening our response. https://www.who.int
• 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(4), 412-415.
• Donkin, A., Goldblatt, P., Allen, J., Nathanson, V., & Marmot, M. (2017). Global action on the social determinants of health. BMJ Global Health, 2(4), e000340.
• World Health Organization. (n.d.). Global health agenda. Retrieved from https://www.who.int