Health Policy Module 8 PDF

HEALTH POLICY Module 8  Population Health Disparities in health outcomes Favorable comparisons Unfavorable comparisons Public health policy encompasses all of the rules, regulations, legislation and funding that we as voters entrust those who serve on both the state and...

HEALTH POLICY Module 8  Population Health Disparities in health outcomes Favorable comparisons Unfavorable comparisons Public health policy encompasses all of the rules, regulations, legislation and funding that we as voters entrust those who serve on both the state and national level to represent what we hold dear.  Policy A relatively stable, purposive course of action taken over time to deal with a problem or matter of concern Actions that emerge in response to needs or demands – Negative or positive – Authoritative Actions that relate to government action – Not stated intention – Based on law/regulation  Types of Policy Public: issued by national, state, or local government Health: involves health and health care Substantive: involves an action or activity Procedural: involves a procedure to obtain an outcome Distributive: involves allocation of services or benefits Regulatory: puts limits on activities or behaviors  Politics Process by which society determines: – Who gets what – When they get it – How they get it Art of using influence to bring about change Usually involves compromise between groups Relates to values or ethics of a society  Public Policy and Health Outcomes Policy competence – An understanding of policy: Formulation Implementation Evaluation – Important for PHNs because they can influence both process and impact of policy on clients  Health Policy Constitutes governing framework (structure, process, and outcomes) for providing health services on a local, state, national, or even international level Consists of the rules, regulations, legislation, and funding that we, as members of the public, choose to invest in providing, regulating, and researching health care for our fellow Americans  Health Policy Stages of health policy development 1. Rulemaking process 2. Implementation 3. Evaluation 4. Policy modification 5. Judicial action  Question Is the following statement true or false? Implementation is the first step in health policy development.  Answer False Rationale: The rulemaking process is the first step in health policy development. Implementation is the second step.  Policy Analysis Allows study of a policy from many perspectives Provides results for better understanding policy Identifies ways to impact policy development Clarifies values behind policy Allows tracking of history of policy in specific areas  Frameworks for Policy Analysis Rational framework Kingdon’s framework  Rational Framework Define policy problem to be addressed Identify possible solutions and compare/contrast Select a policy Implement the policy Evaluate the policy Page 368  Kingdon’s Framework A window of opportunity opens when there are: – A policy problem, defined by: Indicators Focusing events – A viable solution – Political will  Policy Analysis for Activism Select a policy issue to address. Conduct a brief policy analysis using Kingdon’s model. – What is the problem? – Are there solutions? If so, are they adequate? – What are the politics? Determine whether implementation of new policy or evaluation of existing policy is needed. Determine jurisdiction and level of involvement needed. One of the key ways we can help and become involved in political activism is to have a collective voice within an organization. American Nurses Association (ANA) Remember when you are evaluating a suggested new policy the first question we should ask regarding it is – Who will benefit from it? It is our priority to assess and identify issues that require attention to improve our communities,  Question Is the following statement true or false? According to Kingdon’s framework, a window of opportunity opens when new legislation is passed.  Answer False Rationale: According to Kingdon’s framework, a window of opportunity opens to enact policy when there are a policy problem, a viable solution, and political will.  Political Action and Advocacy for C/PHNs Social justice – Foundation of public health nursing – Health equity: ensuring that individuals have an equal opportunity to maximize their health Advocacy – Pleading the case of another – Championing a cause – Trying to influence outcomes that affect people, communities, and systems  Types of Advocacy Self-advocacy – Advocating for oneself Individual advocacy – Advocating for an individual or individuals Community health advocacy – Advocating for a community Legislative advocacy – Changing/modifying local, state, or federal laws Professional Advocacy Membership in professional organizations – Tri-Council for Nursing American Nurses Association American Association of Colleges of Nursing National League for Nursing American Organization of Nurse Executives National Council of State Boards of Nursing – American Association of Nurse Practitioners – Nursing Organizations Alliance Lobbying Polarization = split of two or more factions over a political issue. A strong professional organization limits polarization by developing the political skills of its members and ensures that its structure and processes equitably meet the needs of its constituencies. Lobbying – one of the best ways to ensure that health care policies are enacted and usually involves constantly presenting issues that are important to the organization they recognizing.  Nurse’s Role in Reforming Health Care Four key messages from The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (IOM, 2011, p. 4) Nurses should: 1. Practice to the full extent of their education and training 2. Achieve higher levels of education and training that promote seamless academic progression 3. Be full partners in redesigning health care 4. Be part of health care policy and planning using data collection and an improved information infrastructure to inform decision-making  Current U.S. Health Policy Initiatives The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Value-based purchasing Accountable care organizations  Power and Empowerment Power – The ability to act or produce an effect – Possession of control – Authority or influence over others Community empowerment – Enabling communities increased control over lives – Implies community ownership, action aimed at social and political change – Addresses social, cultural, political, economic factors  Question Is the following statement true or false? Advocacy is the ability to act or produce an effect.  Answer False Rationale: Advocacy is pleading the case of another or championing a cause. Power can be defined as the ability to act or produce an effect. Influencing Policy Be honest Start early Know what you want KISS (keep it simple, stupid) No permanent enemies, no permanent friends Know your opponents Make an ask There is strength in numbers Know your legislators and work at the local level Recognize the work of others Remember Lillian Wald was influencing policy when she was working towards health improvement in the first half of the 20th century when she spoke up about child labor which eventually eliminated child labor. Recognizing the work of others seems small but remain aware that opposition from special interest groups can lead to an important policy never moving forward,  Ways to Be Involved Contact legislators Participate in the ANA’s political action committee (PAC) Volunteer