Healthcare Issues And Trends That Affect Health

Healthcare Issues And Trendsissues And Trends That Affect Healthcare D

Healthcare issues and trends that affect healthcare delivery are varied and arise from many different sources, such as the emergence of new technologies, changing patient and workforce demographics, and economic fluctuations. Federal, state, and local policies are continually instituted or amended to address new developments or priorities and to rectify problems in healthcare delivery. For instance, changes may be required to address cost containment challenges or disparities in access to healthcare services. To prepare for this Discussion: Identify an issue currently in the news that is associated with federal, state, or local efforts to improve healthcare delivery. Research the issue in a variety of news sources, such as government sites (e.g., the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health) and online newspapers. Do not use blogs or other informal sources. Select one article or news item on which to focus for this Discussion. Reflect on the information in the article/news item and consider how it relates to your understanding of the U.S. healthcare delivery system. Review the information in the Resources and conduct additional research using the Walden University Library and credible websites to deepen your understanding of this issue. Think about the social, economic, and political circumstances surrounding this issue. Post by Day 4 a comprehensive response to the following: Summarize the article/news item you selected, noting key areas for discussion. Explain why this issue is of interest to you. Explain how the issue addressed in the article/news item relates to information presented in the Resources and/or other credible sources. Reminder: Be sure to cite your supporting documentation appropriately in correct APA format. Ensure that you include the reference for the article/news item you have selected and provide a link to it if possible.

Paper For Above instruction

The selected news article addresses the recent initiatives undertaken by the federal government to expand access to mental health services amidst increasing mental health concerns exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article, titled “Federal Efforts to Improve Mental Healthcare Accessibility,” published by The New York Times on March 15, 2024, highlights the legislative measures introduced to allocate additional funding for mental health programs, particularly in underserved communities. It discusses the Mental Health Services Improvement Act, which aims to increase funding for community mental health centers, improve telehealth services, and enhance workforce training. The article emphasizes that mental health issues have surged nationally, leading to increased calls for policy reforms to better support affected individuals and reduce disparities in access to care.

This issue resonates with me personally because of the rising prevalence of mental health disorders and the critical need for equitable access to mental health services. As a future healthcare leader, I recognize the importance of policy efforts that expand service availability and reduce barriers for vulnerable populations. The article’s focus on legislative action aligns with the social justice aspects I value, including reducing disparities based on socioeconomic status, geographic location, and insurance coverage.

This initiative relates closely to the information presented in the resources and other credible sources that highlight the social determinants of health and their influence on access to quality mental healthcare. For example, Bodenheimer and Sinsky (2014) discuss how systemic factors, such as socioeconomic disadvantages and workforce shortages, hinder effective healthcare delivery. The emphasis on telehealth expansion echoes findings by the CDC (2020), which demonstrate that telemedicine significantly increases access for rural and underserved populations. Additionally, the policy measures align with the Affordable Care Act’s goals to improve mental health coverage and integrate behavioral health into primary care settings (Government Accountability Office, 2022).

In conclusion, the federal efforts to enhance mental health services demonstrate a proactive response to a growing crisis. These initiatives show promise in addressing disparities and expanding access, ultimately improving health outcomes. Understanding how policies influence healthcare delivery helps future healthcare professionals advocate for necessary reforms and foster equitable health systems.

References

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Telehealth in mental health. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/emergency/telehealth.html
  • Government Accountability Office. (2022). Behavioral health and the Affordable Care Act: Progress and remaining challenges. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-22-104234
  • Bodenheimer, T., & Sinsky, C. (2014). From triple to quadruple aim: Care of the patient requires care of the provider. The Annals of Family Medicine, 12(6), 573-576. https://doi.org/10.1370/afm.1713
  • The New York Times. (2024, March 15). Federal efforts to improve mental healthcare accessibility. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/health/mental-health-federal-initiatives.html

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