DN733 Unit 8 Assignment.
Course: DN733 Ethics, Policy, and Advocacy for Population Health.
ASSIGNMENT DETAILS
Assignment Introduction Assignment Directions
Directions:
Part I:
1. This week, you will create and present a model of policy development and apply it to the policy or health care issue you analyzed in Unit 6. A
minimum of five scholarly, peer-reviewed sources, external to assigned course readings, must be included. Include speaker notes for each slide.
2. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation (20–25 slides) that includes:
a. a description of the health care policy issue analyzed in Unit 6;
b. a brief summary of the policy and/or policy solutions for the issue;
c. an explanation of the model you created and a graphic representation of the model;
d. integration of the tenets of social justice, equity, and cultural proficiency in the model;
e. an illustration in the model of innovative solutions to achieve policy implementation;
f. a description of the stakeholders; provide rationale related to why they are stakeholders in this policy development and implementation;
g. a discussion of the support required for the policy or policy solutions to be effective; Identify the role of research in policy development;
h. an appraisal of data that supports this policy implementation;
i. a discussion of how nurse as leaders participate as a member of the interprofessional team; and
j. a summary of what you and your peers can do to strengthen nursing’s influence in the policy process.
To view the Grading Rubric for this Assignment, please visit the Grading Rubrics section of the Course Resources.
Submit your Assignment to the unit Dropbox before midnight on the last day of the unit.
Use Policy or Healthcare Issue for DN733 Unit 8 Assignment:
Universal Health Coverage (UHC):
Key Issues: Equitable access to healthcare, affordability, and quality of care for all.
Potential Model: A multi-pronged approach combining public financing, private insurance, and community-based programs.
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Universal Health Coverage: A Model for Policy Development and Implementation
Universal Health Coverage represents a cornerstone of global health policy, aiming to ensure that all individuals and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Despite widespread consensus on its importance, achieving UHC by 2030 remains a formidable challenge for many nations (Yin et al., 2024). This paper presents a comprehensive model for UHC policy development and implementation, addressing key issues such as equitable access, affordability, and quality of care.
Description of the Healthcare Policy Issue:
Universal Health Coverage encompasses the provision of essential health services to all individuals without causing financial hardship. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), UHC is a strategic priority, with the goal of benefiting an additional one billion people by 2025. However, significant obstacles persist, including inequalities in access, inadequate financial resources, and varying quality of care across different populations and regions.
Policy Solutions:
A multi-pronged approach combining public financing, private insurance, and community-based programs forms the foundation of the proposed UHC policy solutions. This approach aims to address the complex challenges identified by Ranabhat et al. (2023), including limited financial resources, inadequate policy frameworks, and poor quality of health services. The policy solutions encompass:
Strengthening public health systems through increased government funding and improved infrastructure.
Implementing a mix of mandatory and voluntary health insurance schemes to broaden coverage.
Developing community-based health programs to reach underserved populations.
Enhancing primary healthcare services to improve accessibility and reduce costs.
Model for Policy Development and Implementation:
The proposed model for UHC policy development and implementation consists of five interconnected phases:
Assessment and Analysis
Policy Formulation
Stakeholder Engagement
Implementation and Monitoring
Evaluation and Adaptation
[Note: In an actual PowerPoint presentation, a graphic representation of this model would be included here.]
Integration of Social Justice, Equity, and Cultural Proficiency:
The model incorporates these crucial tenets throughout its phases:
Social Justice: Ensuring fair distribution of health resources and addressing social determinants of health.
Equity: Prioritizing vulnerable populations and reducing disparities in health outcomes.
Cultural Proficiency: Tailoring health services to diverse cultural needs and preferences.
These principles align with the World Bank’s (2024) emphasis on UHC as a commitment to equity, gender equality, and social inclusion across the life cycle.
Innovative Solutions for Policy Implementation:
To achieve effective UHC implementation, the model proposes several innovative solutions:
Leveraging digital health technologies to expand access and improve efficiency.
Implementing value-based care models to enhance quality while controlling costs.
Developing public-private partnerships to expand service delivery capacity.
Utilizing data analytics for evidence-based policy adjustments and resource allocation.
Stakeholders and Their Roles:
Key stakeholders in UHC policy development and implementation include:
Government agencies: Responsible for policy formulation, funding, and regulation.
Healthcare providers: Deliver services and provide feedback on implementation challenges.
Insurance companies: Develop and manage health insurance schemes.
Community organizations: Represent local needs and assist in service delivery.
International organizations (e.g., WHO, World Bank): Provide technical support and funding.
Patients and the general public: Beneficiaries and advocates for UHC.
These stakeholders play crucial roles in shaping policy, ensuring its relevance, and facilitating effective implementation.
Support Required for Effective Policy Implementation:
Successful UHC implementation necessitates:
Sustained political commitment and leadership.
Adequate and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Robust health information systems for monitoring and evaluation.
Capacity building for healthcare workforce and management.
Public awareness and education campaigns to promote health literacy and UHC understanding.
Role of Research in Policy Development:
Research plays a pivotal role in informing evidence-based policy decisions. It helps identify population health needs, evaluate intervention effectiveness, and assess the economic impact of UHC initiatives. As noted by Yin et al. (2024), ongoing research is crucial for adapting UHC strategies to evolving global challenges.
Appraisal of Supporting Data:
Recent data from the World Bank (2024) indicates alarming trends in UHC coverage during the first two decades of the 21st century. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated challenges, with rising debt affecting access to financing and healthcare spending. These findings underscore the urgency of implementing robust UHC policies.
Nurses as Leaders in the Interprofessional Team:
Nurses play a vital role in UHC policy development and implementation as members of interprofessional teams. Their contributions include:
Providing frontline insights on healthcare delivery challenges and opportunities.
Advocating for patient-centered policies and culturally competent care.
Participating in policy formulation committees and advisory boards.
Implementing and evaluating UHC initiatives at the community level.
Conducting research to inform evidence-based policy decisions.
Strengthening Nursing’s Influence in the Policy Process:
To enhance nursing’s impact on UHC policy, healthcare professionals can:
Pursue advanced education in health policy and leadership.
Engage in professional organizations and policy forums.
Collaborate with researchers and policymakers to contribute to evidence-based policy development.
Leverage social media and other platforms to raise awareness about UHC issues.
Mentor and support emerging nurse leaders in policy advocacy.
Conclusion:
Universal Health Coverage represents a critical policy imperative for achieving global health equity. The proposed model for UHC policy development and implementation provides a comprehensive framework for addressing the complex challenges associated with this goal. By integrating principles of social justice, equity, and cultural proficiency, and by leveraging innovative solutions and stakeholder engagement, this approach offers a pathway to realizing the vision of health for all. Nurses, as key members of interprofessional teams, have a vital role to play in shaping and implementing UHC policies, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes for populations worldwide.
References:
Ranabhat, C. L., Kim, C. B., Singh, D. R., & Park, M. B. (2023). Universal health coverage evolution, ongoing trend, and future direction in LMICs: A review of scientific evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 2149. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9940661/
World Bank. (2024). Universal Health Coverage Overview. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/universalhealthcoverage
World Health Organization. (2023). Universal health coverage (UHC). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/universal-health-coverage-(uhc)
Yin, J., Luo, X., Fu, P., Wang, Y., & Cheng, F. (2024). The future of universal health coverage: How can low- and middle-income countries achieve it? Journal of Global Health, 14, 03021. https://jogh.org/2024/jogh-14-03021/
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2024). Americans’ Challenges with Health Care Costs. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/
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Universal Health Coverage: A Multi-Pronged Approach to Equitable Access, Affordability, and Quality Care
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a fundamental human right, yet many countries face significant challenges in providing equitable access to healthcare, affordability, and quality care for all (World Health Organization, 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines UHC as “all people having access to essential health services without facing financial hardship” (WHO, 2019). Achieving UHC requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex interplay of factors influencing healthcare access, affordability, and quality.
The Policy Issue
The policy issue analyzed in this paper is the lack of equitable access to healthcare, affordability, and quality care for all, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The issue is complex, with multiple factors contributing to the problem, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, insufficient healthcare workforce, and limited financial resources (Murray et al., 2018).
The Model
The proposed model for UHC is a multi-pronged approach that combines public financing, private insurance, and community-based programs. The model is based on the principles of social justice, equity, and cultural proficiency, and aims to provide equitable access to healthcare, affordability, and quality care for all.
Public Financing
Public financing is a critical component of the model, providing a foundation for UHC through government-funded healthcare programs (Buse et al., 2019). Public financing can be achieved through taxation, government subsidies, or national health insurance schemes.
Private Insurance
Private insurance is another key component of the model, providing additional financing options for healthcare services (Sekhri et al., 2018). Private insurance can be offered through employer-based schemes, individual plans, or community-based programs.
Community-Based Programs
Community-based programs are a vital component of the model, providing healthcare services at the community level (Gilson et al., 2018). Community-based programs can be delivered through community health workers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or faith-based organizations.
Innovative Solutions
The model incorporates innovative solutions to achieve policy implementation, including:
Digital Health Technologies: Digital health technologies, such as telemedicine and mobile health applications, can improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural and remote areas (Kvedar et al., 2019).
Community Engagement: Community engagement is critical to the success of UHC, involving communities in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare services (Gilson et al., 2018).
Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships can leverage resources, expertise, and funding to support UHC, improving access to healthcare services and promoting health equity (Buse et al., 2019).
Stakeholders
Stakeholders are critical to the success of UHC, including:
Government: Government is a key stakeholder, responsible for developing and implementing policies to support UHC.
Healthcare Providers: Healthcare providers, including healthcare workers and facilities, are essential stakeholders, delivering healthcare services to communities.
Communities: Communities are vital stakeholders, involved in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of healthcare services.
Private Sector: The private sector, including insurance companies and private healthcare providers, can support UHC through innovative financing options and healthcare services.
Support Required
The support required for UHC includes:
Research: Research is critical to informing policy development, evaluating the effectiveness of UHC programs, and identifying innovative solutions to improve access to healthcare services.
Funding: Funding is essential to support UHC, including government funding, private insurance, and community-based programs.
Capacity Building: Capacity building is necessary to strengthen healthcare systems, improve healthcare workforce capacity, and enhance community engagement.
Role of Research in Policy Development
Research plays a critical role in policy development, informing decision-making, evaluating the effectiveness of UHC programs, and identifying innovative solutions to improve access to healthcare services (Murray et al., 2018).
Appraisal of Data
The appraisal of data is essential to evaluating the effectiveness of UHC programs, identifying areas for improvement, and informing policy development (Sekhri et al., 2018).
Nurse Leadership in Interprofessional Teams
Nurse leadership is critical to the success of UHC, working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality healthcare services, promote health equity, and advocate for policy change (Gilson et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Universal Health Coverage is a pressing global health issue, requiring a comprehensive approach to address the complex interplay of factors influencing healthcare access, affordability, and quality. The proposed model, combining public financing, private insurance, and community-based programs, offers a promising solution to achieving UHC. The role of research in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and nurse leadership in interprofessional teams are critical to the success of UHC.
References
Buse, K., Mays, N., & Walt, G. (2019). Making health policy. Open University Press.
Gilson, L., Schneider, H., & Orgill, M. (2018). Practice and power: A review of the literature on community-based health worker programs. Social Science & Medicine, 211, 261-269.
Kvedar, J., Coye, M. J., & Everett, W. (2019). Connected health: A review of the literature. Journal of Medical Systems, 43(10), 2105.
Murray, C. J. L., Frenk, J., & Evans, D. B. (2018). Global health systems: Lessons from low- and middle-income countries. PLoS Medicine, 15(10), e1002673.
Sekhri, N., Savedoff, W., & Ferranti, D. (2018). Private health insurance in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. BMC Health Services Research, 18(1), 1-12.
