Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay

Description of the National Healthcare Issue/Stressor

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) refers to pneumonia that a patient develops within a hospital setting after at least 48–72 hours after being admitted (Pássaro et al; 2016). HAP is the second leading hospital-acquired infection and cause of death among critically sick patients. HAP is allied to an elevated rate of mortality and morbidity, as well as increased healthcare costs (Torres-García et al; 2019). According to Min et al (2018), the incidence of HAP worldwide is…

Assignment: Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue: Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
The Quadruple Aim provides broad categories of goals to pursue to maintain and improve healthcare. Within each goal are many issues that, if addressed successfully, may have a positive impact on outcomes. For example, healthcare leaders are being tasked to shift from an emphasis on disease management often provided in an acute care setting to health promotion and disease prevention delivered in primary care settings. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay . Efforts in this area can have significant positive impacts by reducing the need for primary healthcare and by reducing the stress on the healthcare system.

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Changes in the industry only serve to stress what has always been true; namely, that the healthcare field has always faced significant challenges, and that goals to improve healthcare will always involve multiple stakeholders. This should not seem surprising given the circumstances. Indeed, when a growing population needs care, there are factors involved such as the demands of providing that care and the rising costs associated with healthcare. Generally, it is not surprising that the field of healthcare is an industry facing multifaceted issues that evolve over time.
In this module’s Discussion, you reviewed some healthcare issues/stressors and selected one for further review. For this Assignment, you will consider in more detail the healthcare issue/stressor you selected. You will also review research that addresses the issue/stressor and write a white paper to your organization’s leadership that addresses the issue/stressor you selected. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay.
To Prepare:
• Review the national healthcare issues/stressors presented in the Resources and reflect on the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected for study.
• Reflect on the feedback you received from your colleagues on your Discussion post for the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected.
• Identify and review two additional scholarly resources (not included in the Resources for this module) that focus on change strategies implemented by healthcare organizations to address your selected national healthcare issue/stressor. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay.
The Assignment (3-Pages):
Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue: Hospital Acquired Pneumonia
Develop a 3- page paper, written to your organization’s leadership team, addressing your selected national healthcare issue/stressor and how it is impacting your work setting. Be sure to address the following:

Describe the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected and its impact on your organization. Use organizational data to quantify the impact (if necessary, seek assistance from leadership or appropriate stakeholders in your organization).
Provide a brief summary of the two articles you reviewed from outside resources on the national healthcare issue/stressor. Explain how the healthcare issue/stressor is being addressed in other organizations.
Summarize the strategies used to address the organizational impact of national healthcare issues/stressors presented in the scholarly resources you selected. Explain how they may impact your organization both positively and negatively. Be specific and provide examples. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay
RESOURCES/READINGS
Marshall, E., & Broome, M. (2017). Transformational leadership in nursing: From expert clinician to influential leader (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer.
• Chapter 2, “Understanding Contexts for Transformational Leadership: Complexity, Change, and Strategic Planning” (pp. 37–62)
• Chapter 3, “Current Challenges in Complex Health Care Organizations: The Triple Aim” (pp. 63–86)
Read any TWO of the following (plus TWO additional readings on your selected issue):
Auerbach, D. I., Staiger, D. O., & Buerhaus, P. I. (2018). Growing ranks of advanced practice clinicians—Implications for the physician workforce. New England Journal of Medicine, 378(25), 2358–2360. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1801869
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay

Gerardi, T., Farmer, P., & Hoffman, B. (2018). Moving closer to the 2020 BSN-prepared workforce goal. American Journal of Nursing, 118(2), 43–45. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000530244.15217.aa
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Jacobs, B., McGovern, J., Heinmiller, J., & Drenkard, K. (2018). Engaging employees in well-being: Moving from the Triple Aim to the Quadruple Aim. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 42(3), 231–245. doi:10.1097/NAQ.0000000000000303
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Norful, A. A., de Jacq, K., Carlino, R., & Poghosyan, L. (2018). Nurse practitioner–physician comanagement: A theoretical model to alleviate primary care strain. Annals of Family Medicine, 16(3), 250–256. doi:10.1370/afm.2230
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Palumbo, M., Rambur, B., & Hart, V. (2017). Is health care payment reform impacting nurses\’ work settings, roles, and education preparation? Journal of Professional Nursing, 33(6), 400–404. doi:10.1016/j.profnurs.2016.11.005
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Park, B., Gold, S. B., Bazemore, A., & Liaw, W. (2018). How evolving United States payment models influence primary care and its impact on the Quadruple Aim. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 31(4), 588–604. doi:10.3122/jabfm.2018.04.170388
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay

Pittman, P., & Scully-Russ, E. (2016). Workforce planning and development in times of delivery system transformation. Human Resources for Health, 14(56), 1–15. doi:10.1186/s12960-016-0154-3. Retrieved from https://human-resources-health.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12960-016-0154-3

Poghosyan, L., Norful, A., & Laugesen, M. (2018). Removing restrictions on nurse practitioners\’ scope of practice in New York state: Physicians\’ and nurse practitioners\’ perspectives. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 30(6), 354–360. doi:10.1097/JXX.0000000000000040
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay
Ricketts, T., & Fraher, E. (2013). Reconfiguring health workforce policy so that education, training, and actual delivery of care are closely connected. Health Affairs, 32(11), 1874–1880. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0531
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

 

Description of the National Healthcare Issue/Stressor

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) refers to pneumonia that a patient develops within a hospital setting after at least 48–72 hours after being admitted (Pássaro et al; 2016). HAP is the second leading hospital-acquired infection and cause of death among critically sick patients Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay. HAP is allied to an elevated rate of mortality and morbidity, as well as increased healthcare costs (Torres-García et al; 2019). According to Min et al (2018), the incidence of HAP worldwide is 5–20 cases per 1000 admissions. The high incidence of HAP indicates the need to address the issue.

In my healthcare organization, HAP is very common among patients in the ICU, and particularly patients who are mechanically ventilated. Similarly, the rate of HAP is also relatively high in patients within the medical-surgical ward and the general ward as well. In the organization, HAP in all units leads to an increased rate of morbidity and mortality, longer period of hospital stay, as well as, increased costs for both the patient and the organization. This is consistent in other organizations where hospital-acquired infections like HAP are associated with higher mortality rate, prolonged period of hospitalization, as well as higher healthcare costs (Pássaro et al; 2016) Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay.

In the organization, the rate of HAP is particularly high among older adults, patients in the ICU, as well as patients with prolonged use antibiotics and glucocorticoids. The high incidence of HAP among patients with lengthy use of glucocorticoids is allied to the reduced immunity that makes individuals susceptible to infections. Similarly, long-term use of antibiotics is a major risk factor for hospital-acquired pneumonia due to resistant to antibiotics. In my healthcare organization, HAP is associated with an increased rate of mortality, admission to the ICU, and an increased period of hospital stay. In addition, the organization spends a lot of finances in the treatment and care of HAP.

Summary of the Two Articles

According to Brett et al (2019), HAP is allied to elevated morbidity and mortality rate and also increased medical costs. HAP is also a leading factor for transfer to the ICU and results in a prolonged hospital stay. Risk factors associated with HAP include advanced age, a longer period of hospital stay, being a male, dysphagia, numerous comorbidities, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Brett et al; 2019). Brett et al (2019) further indicate that poor oral hygiene causes buildup of dental disease which is a major risk factor in HAP. Accordingly, Brett et al (2019) explain that improved oral hygiene can be effective in decreasing the rate of HAP Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay. Other strategies that can reduce the rate of HAP include early mobilization, effective hand hygiene, proper management of dysphagia, and prevention of viral infections (Brett et al; 2019).

Deng et al (2019) explain that HAP is a very common hospital-acquired infection and a leading cause of death among hospitalized patients. Multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are attributed to the numerous cases of HAPs, and particularly within the ICU and emergency departments (Deng et al; 2019). Wide usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics is attributable to bacterial resistance, one of the risk factors for HAP. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay.

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Strategies used to Address HAP

The study by Brett et al (2019) demonstrates that interventions such as improved oral care, increased movement, and mobility, as well as dysphagia management, are effective in preventing HAP. The study indicates that improved oral care is an important modifiable risk factor for HAP. Comprehensive oral care facilitated by nurses is effective in preventing HAP as it prevents the buildup of dental plague which is a major risk factor in HAP.

Increased mobilization is also an intervention that can be used in preventing HAP especially among patients with acute ischemic stroke. The intervention involves turning the patient from “supine position to right and left lateral resting position” after every two hours and passively mobilizing the four limbs. This intervention has been shown to be effective in reducing the rate of HAP. The mobilization intervention also integrates pre-operative patient education, breathing exercises, as well as pre-operative physiotherapy (Brett et al; 2019). Brett et al (2019) further explain that suitable management of dysphagia and particularly among post-stroke patients is important in reducing the rate of HAP. This intervention includes nurses screening patients for dysphagia and implementing the appropriate interventions. This is because dysphagia has been shown to cause aspiration pneumonia because food or liquids can enter the airway when patients have difficulties in swallowing and hence introduce bacteria to the lungs. Therefore, effective management of dysphagia can prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Preventing and treating infections caused by multi-drug-resistant organisms can go a long way in preventing HAP (Deng et al; 2019). Long-term use of antibiotics has been shown to be a major risk factor for HAP due to antibiotic resistance. Interventions that can be used to address the issue of multi-drug resistance include relieving the inflammatory reactions among patients, improving organisms’ clearance, reducing the period of mechanical ventilation, addressing patients’ immunity, and increased the success rate of ventilator weaning (Deng et al; 2019).

 

 

References

Brett M, Russo P, Cheng A, Andrew S, Rosebrock H, Curtis S, Robinsion S & Kiernan M. (2019). Strategies to reduce non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia: A systematic review. Infection, Disease & Health, 24(4), 229 – 239. Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay

Deng, D., Chen, Z., Jia, L, Bu J, Ye M, Sun L, Gen Y, Wen Z, Chen G & Fang B. (2019). Treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia with multi-drug resistant organism by Buzhong Yiqi decoction based on Fuzheng Quxie classical prescription: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials, 20(817).

Min, J. Y., Kim, H. J., Yoon, C., Lee, K., Yeo, M., & Min, K. B. (2018). Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia among Inpatients via the Emergency Department: A Propensity-Score Matched Analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(6), 1178. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15061178.

Pássaro, L., Harbarth, S. & Landelle, C. (2016). Prevention of hospital-acquired pneumonia in non-ventilated adult patients: a narrative review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control, 5(43 (20).

Torres-García, M., Pérez Méndez, B. B., Sánchez Huerta, J. L., Villa Guillén, M., Rementería Vazquez, V., Castro Diaz, A. D., López Martinez, B., Laris González, A., Jiménez-Juárez, R. N., & de la Rosa-Zamboni, D. (2019). Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia: Don’t Forget About Respiratory Viruses. Frontiers in pediatrics, 7(168). Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Essay.

 

Mucor Definition and Infection

Explain what Mucor is and how a patient is likely to become infected with Mucor.

Mucormycosis or zygomycosis is a rare and serious fungal infection. It is caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. Patients is likely to be infected by coming in contact with fungal spores found in the environment. People at risk are patients with a weak immune system. They may become infected by simply inhaling the spores or through any type of skin trauma.

Describe the pathophysiologic progression of the infection into pneumonia and at least two medical/nursing interventions that would be helpful in treating the patient.

Pulmonary mucormycosis happends when spores may reach all the way to the alveolar spaces, most stay in the nasal turbinates causing sinusitis. Two nursing interventions would be watching closely for respiratory problems, monitoring vital signs specially pulse oximetry levels, chest pains and fever.  Lastly, giving medications as prescribed by physician.Mucor Definition and Infection

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Examine the laboratory blood test results and arterial blood gases provided in “Discussion Question Resource: Laboratory Blood Test Results.” What laboratory values are considered abnormal? Explain each abnormality and discuss the probable causes from a pathophysiologic perspective.

WBC’s are abnormally high due to infection; Lymph are abnormally low due to infection; HCO and PH suggests metabolic alkalosis. Decreased Pa02/PC02 suggests alkalotic and compensated. High glucose levels indicate that the body is trying to compensate due to the infection.

What medications and medical treatments are likely to be prescribed by the attending physician on this case? List at least three medications and three treatments. Provide rationale for each of the medications and treatments you suggest.

Mucor must be treated with antifungal medications. Amphotericin B,Posaconazole, Isavuconazole. Ibuprofen and Tylenol might be used for fever/pain. O2 per doctor’s orders might be needed as well.

Treatments: If needed, mucromycisis might require surgery to remove infected tissue. Educating the patient on how to prevent this infection from occurring again like wearing appropriate clothing when working outside with soil.

Mucor Definition and Infection

Mucormycosis Assignment Discussion

Mucormycosis is a considered a life-threatening disease, that is an amalgamation of infections that come from the organism mucorales belonging to a group of fungi Mucoromycotina. It usually involves individuals with “uncontrolled diabetes; malignancy; hematopoietic stem cell transplant or solid organ transplant; persistent neutropenia; prolonged corticosteroid therapy; skin trauma, burns, or surgical wounds; iron overload; intravenous drug use; malnourishment; and premature infants” (Centers of Disease Control, 2011).  In terms of exposure, most often associated with inhalation from environments that contain fungal spores. Moreover, can involve sinus and brain infection involving rhinocerebral infection – a sinus infection that affects the brain stem nerves. In addition, it affects the lungs (pulmonary mucormycosis) which exacerbates the individuals condition of pneumonia that can distribute to other sections of the body which includes the chest cavity, brain, and heart (Medicine Plus, 2016).  Mucormycosis Assignment Discussion

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The main signs and symptoms include the following for sinus infections (fever, headache, and sinus pain), skin (fever, and tenderness, pain, heat, excessive redness, or swelling around a wound) and lung infections (fever, cough) (Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).  Mucormycosis Assignment Discussion

Abnormal labs that are present HCO3 29 meq/L (22-26 meq/L) and pH 7.50 (7.35-7.45), which suggest metabolic alkalosis. Moreover, the patient has a decreased Pa02 of 59 mm Hg on room air (80-100), reduced oxygenation circulating and and is alkalotic and is partially compensated – PC02 of 25 mm Hg (35-45 mm Hg). Moreover, the individual also has an elevated WBC of 15,200/mm³ (5-10,000/mm³) and lymphocytes of 10%  which revolves the patient having an infection. Patient also has an elevated fasting blood sugar of 138 mg/dl (60-110 mg/dl) as the patient is fighting the infection and the body is trying to compensate.

Medication treatments involve two antifungal treatment which is “amphotericin B products and posaconazole, isavuconazole with activity against Mucorales…posaconazole in an oral formulation that can be administered safely for prolonged periods makes it an attractive agent for long-term primary and secondary prophylaxis” . These treatment is involved to reduce or halt the spreading to the disease whilst treating other comorbidities. Likewise, consultation for infectious disease specialist and surgeon should be seen as the patient may need surgery debridement or surgical resection to address the decaying of tissue and possible removal. These complications include the following which are “blindness, meningitis, brain abscesses, osteomyelitis, pulmonary hemorrhages, gastrointestinal hemorrhages, cavitary lesions in organs and eventually secondary bacterial infections, sepsis, and death may occur” Mucormycosis Assignment Discussion

 

Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis

Optimal health is achieved through high-quality health care services which are cost-effective and accessible to the public and also well-coordinated. Health policies present plans, actions and decisions that facilitate the achiev3ment of healthcare goals in the society (Blank, 2019). The World Health Organization notes that health policies define visions for the future, provides the expected roles and priorities roles of the public population and creates consensus as well as informs the public on healthcare issues (Abel-Smith, 2018). As such, this paper examines the publicly funded healthcare policy in the United States and how it is designed to improve a specific population’s access to quality, cost-effective health care…

Select a current or proposed health care policy that is designed to improve a specific population’s access to quality, cost-effective health care. In a paper of 1,000-1,250 words, include the following:

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Explain the policy and how it is designed to improve cost-effectiveness and health care equity for the population. Is the policy financially sound? Why or why not? How does the policy account for any relevant ethical, legal, and political factors and the nursing perceptive one must consider when implementing it? Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis
To what state, federal, global health policies or goals is this particular policy related? How well do you think the policy is designed to achieve those goals?
Finally, discuss the advocacy strategies you would employ on behalf of your population to ensure they have access to the benefits of the policy. Explain, from a Christian perspective, the professional and moral obligation of advanced registered nurse to advocate for and promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations.
You are required to cite five to 10 sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and nursing content. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis

Prepare this Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

 

NUR-550	NUR-550-XO0905XB	Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis	160.0
Criteria	Percentage	Unsatisfactory (0.00%)	Less than Satisfactory (80.00%)	Satisfactory (88.00%)	Good (92.00%)	Excellent (100.00%)
Content	70.0%
Financially Sound Health Care Policy That Incorporates the Nursing Perspective and Relevant Ethical, Legal, and Political Factors (2.1)	20.0%	A discussion of financially sound health care policy that incorporates the nursing perspective and relevant ethical, legal, and political factors is not included. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis	A discussion of financially sound health care policy that incorporates the nursing perspective and relevant ethical, legal, and political factors is present, but it lacks detail or is incomplete.	A discussion of financially sound health care policy that incorporates the nursing perspective and relevant ethical, legal, and political factors is present.	A discussion of financially sound health care policy that incorporates the nursing perspective and relevant ethical, legal, and political factors is clearly provided and well developed.	A comprehensive discussion of financially sound health care policy that incorporates the nursing perspective and relevant ethical, legal, and political factors is thoroughly developed with supporting details.
Integration of Appropriate State, Federal, and Global Health Policies and Goals Related to Equitable Health Care for Populations (4.2)	20.0%	A discussion of appropriate state, federal, and global health policies and goals related to equitable health care for populations is not included.	A discussion of appropriate state, federal, and global health policies and goals related to equitable health care for populations is present, but it lacks detail or is incomplete.	A discussion of appropriate state, federal, and global health policies and goals related to equitable health care for populations is present.	A discussion of appropriate state, federal, and global health policies and goals related to equitable health care for populations is clearly provided and well developed.	A comprehensive discussion of appropriate state, federal, and global health policies and goals related to equitable health care for populations is thoroughly developed with supporting details.
		Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis
Advocacy Strategies for Improving Access, Quality, and Cost-Effective Health Care for Diverse Populations (2.2)	10.0%	A discussion of advocacy strategies for improving access, quality, and cost-effective health care for diverse populations is not included.	A discussion of advocacy strategies for improving access, quality, and cost-effective health care for diverse populations is present, but it lacks detail or is incomplete.	A discussion of advocacy strategies for improving access, quality, and cost-effective health care for diverse populations is present.	A discussion of advocacy strategies for improving access, quality, and cost-effective health care for diverse populations is clearly provided and well developed.	A comprehensive discussion of advocacy strategies for improving access, quality, and cost-effective health care for diverse populations is thoroughly developed with supporting details.
The Professional and Moral Obligation of Advanced Registered Nurses to Respect Human Dignity and Advance the Common Good Through Working to Promote Health and Prevent Disease Among Diverse Populations from a Christian Perspective (4.3)	15.0%	A discussion of the professional and moral obligation of advanced registered nurses to respect human dignity and advance the common good through working to promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations from a Christian perspective is not included.	A discussion of the professional and moral obligation of advanced registered nurses to respect human dignity and advance the common good through working to promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations from a Christian perspective is present, but it lacks detail or is incomplete.	A discussion of the professional and moral obligation of advanced registered nurses to respect human dignity and advance the common good through working to promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations from a Christian perspective is present.	A discussion of the professional and moral obligation of advanced registered nurses to respect human dignity and advance the common good through working to promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations from a Christian perspective is clearly provided and well developed.	A comprehensive discussion of the professional and moral obligation of advanced registered nurses to respect human dignity and advance the common good through working to promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations from a Christian perspective is thoroughly developed with supporting details.
Required Sources	5.0%	Sources are not included.	Number of required sources is only partially met. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis	Number of required sources is met, but sources are outdated or inappropriate.	Number of required sources is met. Sources are current, but not all sources are appropriate for the assignment criteria and nursing content.	Number of required resources is met. Sources are current, and appropriate for the assignment criteria and nursing content.
Organization and Effectiveness	20.0%
Thesis Development and Purpose	7.0%	Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.	Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.	Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.	Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.	Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.
Argument Logic and Construction Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis	8.0%	Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.	Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.	Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.	Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.	Clear and convincing argument that presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)	5.0%	Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.	Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.	Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.	Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.	Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
Format	10.0%
Paper Format (Use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)	5.0%	Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.	Template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken; lack of control with formatting is apparent.	Template is used, and formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.	Template is fully used; There are virtually no errors in formatting style.	All format elements are correct.
Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)	5.0%	Sources are not documented. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis	Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.	Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.	Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.	Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.
Total Weightage	100%

 

Optimal health is achieved through high-quality health care services which are cost-effective and accessible to the public and also well-coordinated. Health policies present plans, actions and decisions that facilitate the achiev3ment of healthcare goals in the society (Blank, 2019). The World Health Organization notes that health policies define visions for the future, provides the expected roles and priorities roles of the public population and creates consensus as well as informs the public on healthcare issues (Abel-Smith, 2018). As such, this paper examines the publicly funded healthcare policy in the United States and how it is designed to improve a specific population’s access to quality, cost-effective health care. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.

Publicly funded healthcare policy in the United States is designed to meet all or part of the healthcare needs from public funds. The Medicare and Medicaid programs together with the Veterans Health Administration and Children’s Health Insurance Programs are involved in funding 64% of healthcare costs paid by the government since 2013 (Sommers et al., 2017). Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis. The policy is designed to improve cost-effectiveness and health care equity for the population as it meets a larger portion of healthcare bills. Thus, it reduces the economic burden of the population and particularly the marginalized groups who have difficulties in accessing care due to poverty. Even though is not a universal healthcare fund, the policy ensures equitable distribution of healthcare services through equal distribution of healthcare funds. It also gives the population a chance to select their insurances depending on their economic capabilities. Consequently, it protects the consumers from exploitation by insurance companies. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.

The publicly funded healthcare policy in the United States is somehow not financially sound. Healthcare costs in the US are considerably higher and continues to increase even more than the overall economic growth of the country. For instance, in 2016, the cost was reported to be approximately $3.3 trillion dollars in 2016 (Martin, 2016). These high costs are bound to strain the economy of the country in the future considering that the US has the highest healthcare costs compared to other countries Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis. In 2016, the government spent 17.9% of GDP on the costs of healthcare which is substantially higher than Japan, France, Germany and Sweden who spent about 11% and Switzerland which spent only 12% of their gross domestic product (Papanicolas, Woskie & Jha, 2018). Moreover, an individual American citizen spent about $9900 for healthcare in 2016 (Martin, 2016). This increased expenditure could be therefore become unsustainable in the long run because, they tend to increase the national debt. In addition, the quality of life reduces as people spend more on health and insurances, the costs of their products and services increase and people end up being unable to afford healthcare insurance. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.

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The public funded healthcare policy ensures equitable distribution of resources among the public population regardless of their financial or social status. This supports the justice principle of ethics which focuses on fairness. Moreover, it promotes the protection of vulnerable groups such as the minorities and as well as ensures the patient’s choice of treatment is respected as expected by autonomy Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis. It also promotes culturally sensitive care thus enhancing solidarity between communities during outbreaks through prevention strategies and collaboration in eradicating illnesses. The policy is basically set up to benefit the public in improving the access and quality of healthcare and reducing the cost (Wilkinson, & Savulescu, 2018).

On the other hand, the legal foundation of public health in the US is embedded in the rights to life, safety and health of the population. The constitution mandates the government’s protection of its citizens against harm and hence the federal and states governments should provide a functioning public health system (Chen, Vargas-Bustamante, Mortensen & Ortega, 2016). The public health policy was set up through a political decision processes which involve the enactment of The Affordable Care Act (ACA) legislations Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis. Notably, the repealing, removal or amendment of the policy is dependent on the political authorities.

The implementation of the healthcare public funding policy should be patient centered and seek to reduce the cost as well as increase the quality of care. As such, nurses must consider influencing the processes and standards of their practice settings to achieve quality. Furthermore, they should promote active participation of other nurses and collaborations to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of the policy. Nurses should also consider being information sources to the community for the much-needed information regarding healthcare insurance coverage and access provided by the policy. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.

The public health funding policy is related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Federal health policy. This Act was enacted in 2010 with the aim of offering affordable health insurance coverage to the public. It also sought to protest the citizens for exploitation by insurance companies (Sommers et al., 2017). In this case, it was designed to lower the cost of healthcare particularly for low-income households. The public funding healthcare policy is well designed to achieve the ACA goals in that it offers healthcare funding programs suitable for all citizens through various insurance programs Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis. This ensures that costs are maintained at a realistic level that increases access as healthcare services become more affordable.

The public health funding policy seeks to improve the quality of healthcare, reduce the cost, increase access and affordability. One of the advocacy strategies I would employ on behalf of my population to ensure they have access to the benefits of the policy is to provide a voice. This means that I provide information to enable them understand the policy and its benefits as well as how to become a beneficiary. I will also allow them to ask questions that will facilitate my successful implementation of the policy. Another strategy will involve the protection of the patients’ rights (Assi, Peterson & Hatmaker, 2018). Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis. This will entail knowing their wishes and communicating them to the policy makers as well as educating them on how to optimally benefit from the policy as well as improve the quality of their care.  I will also connect patients to resources both on the inside and outside the healthcare facility to support their wellbeing and understanding of the policy. This will help them gain financial assistance and enable them meet their needs.

From a Christian perspective, the advanced registered nurses have a professional and moral obligation to advocate for and promote health and prevent disease among diverse populations Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis. This is achieved through upholding of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice during healthcare delivery (Leffers & McDermott-Levy, 2019). This means that nurses are expected to engage patients in treatment and as well in decision making regarding the implementation of healthcare policies. They should also ensure fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources and services and attend to patients without discrimination. Nurses should also be culturally sensitive while dealing with patients from different backgrounds (Albougami, Pounds & Alotaibi, 2016). This includes conducting a spiritual needs assessment to resolve ethical dilemmas and as well as practicing according to the legal requirements of the advanced nurse license. They should also uphold holistic and evidence-based practice at all times. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.

References

Abel-Smith, B. (2018). An introduction to health: policy, planning and financing. Routledge.

Albougami, A. S., Pounds, K. G., & Alotaibi, J. S. (2016). Comparison of four cultural competence models in transcultural nursing: A discussion paper. International Archives of Nursing and Health Care, 2(3), 1-5.

Assi, M. J., Peterson, C., & Hatmaker, D. D. (2018). Workforce Advocacy for a Professional Nursing Practice Environment. Contemporary Nursing E-Book: Issues, Trends, & Management, 232. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.

Blank, R. H. (2019). Public Policy Context: Funding and Policy Initiatives. In Social & Public Policy of Alzheimer’s Disease in the United States (pp. 27-44). Palgrave Pivot, Singapore.

Chen, J., Vargas-Bustamante, A., Mortensen, K., & Ortega, A. N. (2016). Racial and ethnic disparities in health care access and utilization under the Affordable Care Act. Medical care, 54(2), 140.

Leffers, J., & McDermott-Levy, R. (2019, November). Ethical principles for global health nursing: Promoting equity in practice. In APHA’s 2019 Annual Meeting and Expo (Nov. 2-Nov. 6). American Public Health Association.

Martin, A. B. (2016). Healthcare expenditure increasing in USA. PharmacoEconomics & Outcomes News, 768, 17-17.

Papanicolas, I., Woskie, L. R., & Jha, A. K. (2018). Health care spending in the United States and other high-income countries. Jama, 319(10), 1024-1039 Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.

Sommers, B. D., Maylone, B., Blendon, R. J., Orav, E. J., & Epstein, A. M. (2017). Three-year impacts of the Affordable Care Act: improved medical care and health among low-income adults. Health Affairs, 36(6), 1119-1128.

Wilkinson, D., & Savulescu, J. (2018). Cost-equivalence and Pluralism in Publicly-funded Health-care Systems. Health Care Analysis, 26(4), 287-309. Benchmark – Population Health Policy Analysis.