Preparation Conduct Research In The Capella Library And The

Preparationconduct Research In The Capella Library And The Internet To

Preparationconduct Research In The Capella Library And The Internet To

Conduct research in the Capella library and the Internet to identify a country that you feel employs effective practices to deal with the health care issue you chose in the Unit 3 assignment. Be sure that the model country is from a different economic stratum than the country you chose in Unit 3. Deliverable: Compare your chosen country from the Unit 3 assignment with the model country you identified during the preparation for this assignment. In your paper: · Discuss your reasons for selecting the model country for its best practices. Assess the performance indicators that led to the selection. · Compare briefly the challenges each government faces when addressing the issue. · Compare briefly the approaches each government takes to address the issue. What might be reasons for the differences? · Choose one approach employed by your model country as a best practice to address the issue. Discuss ways that adoption of that best practice might improve health care services provided to customers in your chosen country. Additional Requirements Your paper should meet the following requirements: · Formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting. · Number of resources: Use a minimum of three resources. · Length: 5–7 double-spaced pages, not including the references page. · Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point. Portfolio Prompt: You are required to save this learning activity to your ePortfolio.

Paper For Above instruction

The global landscape of healthcare systems is diverse, reflecting varying economic capabilities, policy approaches, and cultural contexts. To understand effective practices across different settings, it is essential to compare countries from distinct economic strata—specifically, contrasting a developing nation with a developed one. This paper examines the healthcare practices related to maternal health, focusing on a developing country, Nigeria, and a developed country, Australia, as a model for best practices. The comparison highlights the reasons for selecting Australia as the model country, assesses their performance indicators, briefly explores the challenges each country faces, compares their approaches, and discusses how adopting practices from the model country might improve healthcare services in Nigeria.

Selection of the Model Country and Performance Indicators

Australia is selected as the model country primarily due to its exemplary maternal health outcomes and robust healthcare infrastructure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020), Australia's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is approximately 4 per 100,000 live births, a figure significantly lower than Nigeria’s estimated 814 per 100,000 live births (WHO, 2019). Australian healthcare systems consistently rank highly in terms of safety, accessibility, and quality, supported by a universal healthcare system—the Medicare scheme—that ensures comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW], 2021). These performance indicators, including low maternal mortality, high access to skilled birth attendants, and extensive antenatal services, underscore Australia’s effective practices in maternal health.

Challenges Faced by Governments

Both countries confront unique challenges in addressing maternal health issues. Nigeria faces infrastructural deficits, a shortage of skilled health personnel, cultural barriers, and inadequate funding, which hinder the delivery of quality maternal care (Onokerorero & Okojie, 2020). Conversely, Australia’s challenges are more focused on disparities within marginalized populations, including Indigenous communities, who experience higher maternal mortality rates and limited access to healthcare services compared to the broader population (Commonwealth of Australia, 2020). While Nigeria’s challenge lies in expanding coverage and infrastructure, Australia predominantly grapples with ensuring equity and culturally sensitive care within its existing system.

Approaches to Address the Issue

Nigeria relies heavily on institutional deliveries promoted through community engagement and NGO partnerships, but struggles with reach and quality of services (Akinyemi et al., 2019). It emphasizes training community health workers and utilizing traditional birth attendants, albeit with inconsistent standards. Australia’s approach involves a comprehensive, government-funded healthcare system that provides free or subsidized prenatal, delivery, and postnatal services, along with targeted programs to support Indigenous women, such as culturally appropriate care and outreach (Australian Government Department of Health, 2020). The key difference is Australia’s integrated, system-wide approach versus Nigeria’s fragmented and resource-dependent strategies.

Reasons for Differences in Approaches

The disparities in healthcare approaches stem mainly from differences in economic capacity, healthcare infrastructure, and policy priorities. Australia’s wealth and stable governance facilitate large-scale investments in health technology, personnel training, and universal coverage. Nigeria’s lower economic status constrains resource allocation, leading to reliance on community-based interventions and external funding. Cultural factors and political commitment levels also influence the scope and sustainability of healthcare programs, with Australia benefiting from established policy frameworks supporting maternal health.

Adopting Best Practices from the Model Country

One of Australia's notable best practices is the integration of culturally sensitive outreach programs targeting Indigenous populations, incorporating community health workers and traditional practices within a formal healthcare framework. Adopting similar approaches in Nigeria could involve training community health workers from local communities to serve as links between the healthcare system and indigenous or rural populations. This strategy enhances trust, improves outreach, and increases uptake of maternity services. Additionally, establishing partnerships with local leaders and using culturally appropriate communication can reduce barriers and promote early antenatal care, ultimately improving maternal outcomes (Peters et al., 2017).

Implications for Improving Healthcare Services

Implementing culturally tailored outreach programs modeled after Australia's Indigenous health initiatives could significantly enhance Nigeria’s maternal health metrics. This approach addresses cultural barriers, which are a major impediment to healthcare utilization. Moreover, integrating community health workers within the formal healthcare system can leverage local knowledge and foster community trust (WHO, 2020). Strengthening infrastructure, investing in training, and ensuring political commitment are necessary to sustain these improvements. Ultimately, adopting such best practices could lead to more equitable, accessible, and culturally appropriate maternal healthcare services, reducing maternal mortality and morbidity in Nigeria.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Australia exemplifies best practices in maternal health through its comprehensive, accessible, and culturally sensitive healthcare system. Although economic and infrastructural differences present challenges, adopting targeted strategies like culturally tailored outreach programs and community engagement could lead to substantial improvements in Nigeria. The comparison underscores the importance of contextually adapted interventions and sustained political commitment to improving healthcare outcomes across diverse settings.

References

• Australian Government Department of Health. (2020). Australia’s maternal health services. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2021). Maternal and Perinatal Health. AIHW Report.
• Commonwealth of Australia. (2020). Indigenous health data summary. Australian Government.
• Akinyemi, J., et al. (2019). Challenges and opportunities in maternal health care in Nigeria. Global Journal of Health Science, 11(5), 123-135.
• Onokerorero, A., & Okojie, C. (2020). Infrastructure and maternal health outcomes in Nigeria. Health Policy and Planning, 35(3), 245-251.
• Peters, D. H., et al. (2017). The role of community health workers in improving maternal health outcomes. Social Science & Medicine, 186, 24-31.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2019). Maternal mortality ratio estimates. WHO Media Center.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Australia maternal health profile. WHO Global Health Observatory Data.