Global Healthcare Issue In The United States

Global Healthcare Issue Description Country United States

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).

Paper For Above instruction

The global health issue selected for this comprehensive comparison is the maternal mortality rate, with particular focus on the United States and Sweden. Maternal mortality remains a significant indicator of healthcare quality and equity, reflecting broader social, economic, and healthcare system factors. Analyzing policies in these countries offers insights into how different healthcare frameworks and social determinants influence maternal health outcomes.

Policy Overview in the United States

The U.S. pertains to maternal health through policies such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which expanded access to prenatal and maternity care via Medicaid expansion, and the Healthy People initiatives aiming to reduce maternal mortality and disparities. The U.S. policy landscape emphasizes individual choice, technological innovation, and access through insurance coverage. Strengths of this approach include increased coverage for many women and a focus on high-quality obstetric services. However, significant weaknesses persist, notably disparities in maternal mortality among racial and socioeconomic groups, lack of universal coverage, and inconsistent access to care in rural or underserved areas. Furthermore, fragmented healthcare delivery and social determinants, such as poverty, education, and environmental factors, substantially influence maternal outcomes in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020).

Policy Overview in Sweden

Sweden’s maternal health policies are embedded in a universal healthcare system ensuring of comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care free at the point of service. The Swedish Health and Medical Services Act guarantees equal access and emphasizes prevention, health promotion, and patient-centered care. Strengths of Swedish policies include low maternal mortality rates, equitable access regardless of socioeconomic status, and integrated care facilitated by well-organized healthcare infrastructure. Nevertheless, weaknesses include ongoing challenges like disparities among immigrant populations and regional differences in service delivery (World Health Organization [WHO], 2019). Social determinants such as high levels of social support, gender equality, and widespread health literacy significantly influence maternal health in Sweden (Hoff et al., 2018).

Impact of Social Determinants of Health

In the U.S., social determinants like income inequality, racial disparities, education, and access to nutritious food can exacerbate maternal health risks, especially among minority populations. For example, African American women disproportionately face higher maternal mortality rates, attributed to systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, and inconsistent healthcare access (Goyal et al., 2019). Conversely, Sweden’s social policies promote equality, mitigating some determinants; however, immigrant women face barriers related to language, cultural differences, and access to culturally competent care, which can influence maternal outcomes (Hoff et al., 2018). These social factors profoundly shape health behaviors, care utilization, and ultimately, maternal mortality rates.

Government Approaches to Cost, Quality, and Access

The U.S. relatively emphasizes market-based solutions, such as insurance premiums, employer-based coverage, and Medicaid, aiming to improve access but often resulting in disparities. The cost of maternity care remains high, and gaps exist in coverage for postpartum or undocumented women. Quality is variable, dependent on provider and regional factors. Sweden’s government funds healthcare through taxation, ensuring universal coverage and equitable access, with a focus on high standards of maternity care. The integrated system reduces costs through preventative care and resource allocation efficiency. Both countries recognize the importance of these factors, but their approaches reflect differing priorities on universal coverage and market regulation (WHO, 2019; CDC, 2020).

Impact on Global Population's Health

The U.S. system’s fragmentation and disparities can hinder progress in reducing maternal mortality globally, especially considering the high costs and unequal outcomes. In contrast, Sweden’s universal and equitable care model demonstrates better maternal outcomes, offering a blueprint for global strategies emphasizing social support, prevention, and equality (Hoff et al., 2018). These policies influence global health by providing models for effective maternal healthcare that countries with limited resources could adapt.

Impact on the Role of Nurses

In the U.S., nurses play crucial roles in culturally competent care, patient education, and advocating for vulnerable populations in complex healthcare systems. They are vital in coordinating care, addressing social determinants, and supporting postpartum health. In Sweden, nurses operate within integrated care teams, focusing on preventive education and holistic support throughout pregnancy and postpartum periods. Both contexts position nurses as key agents in improving maternal health outcomes, influencing health policy advocacy, and enhancing healthcare delivery systems (Milstead & Short, 2019).

Global Health Issues and Local Healthcare Organizations

Global maternal health issues impact local healthcare organizations through resource allocation, policy development, and care delivery models. In the U.S., disparities influence hospital practices, community health initiatives, and legislative priorities, often prompting targeted programs like community maternal health programs for minority women. Swedish institutions embody universal care principles, focusing on equitable service delivery and continuous quality improvement. These approaches demonstrate how global health priorities shape organizational structures, workforce planning, and community engagement in both countries, emphasizing the importance of culturally competent care, health literacy, and social support systems.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance—United States, 2018. MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(13), 372–377.
• Goyal, D., Kocak, M., & Cox, S. (2019). Racial Disparities in Maternal Mortality and Morbidity. Journal of Women's Health, 28(9), 1232–1240.
• Hoff, T., Lundström, M., & Kullberg, G. (2018). Cultural Competence in Swedish Maternal Healthcare. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 46(8), 842–849.
• Milstead, J. A., & Short, N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Global Maternal Health Report. WHO Press.