Final Discussion Project and Self-Reflection Assessment
Abstract
<h2>Cover Page</h2> <p>Final Discussion Project/Self-Reflection Assessment Post</p> <p>Student Name</p> <p>Professor’s Name</p> <p>Instructor’s Name</p> <p>Course</p> <p>Date</p> <h2>Technological Advancement, Health Disparities, and Levels of Disease Prevention</h2> <h3>Question #1: Technology, Health Equity, and Preventive Healthcare</h3> <p>The development of technology in recent years has led to enormous advancements in public health and medicine. For example, due to the enhancement of medical services through increased technology, health inequalities in the United States are rapidly decreasing. In particular, the nation's racial and ethnic minorities have been at a higher risk of lacking access to necessary healthcare, becoming accustomed to substandard health outcomes and patient care, and frequently experiencing inadequate healthcare outcomes. According to Brassard et al. (2020), the United States has prioritized using technology to reduce healthcare inequities in rural and underprivileged communities. Given the current commitment to reducing health disparities in the nation, research into the many different factors that influence the social state of health in the nation is receiving more attention.</p> <p>In health promotion, there are three levels of prevention, including primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Primary prevention refers to actions taken to enhance general health and prevent the onset of disease before health problems arise. For instance, for hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, routine physical activity and appropriate eating practices are the main preventive measures. Once a disease has manifested, secondary prevention entails monitoring disease development and taking preventive action to reduce subsequent consequences. The interventions entail making significant lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and increased physical activity. When glycemic control cannot be achieved, tertiary prevention entails targeted actions intended to return the body to its pre-disease condition and optimize body function. Pharmacological therapies are one type of intervention used to lower blood sugar. Tertiary prevention also involves the treatment of comorbidities. Healthy People 2030 is a nationwide initiative that lays out the goals and plans for enhancing the health and wellness of Americans (Healthy People 2020, 2022). The Healthy People 2030 programs complement current health initiatives because they provide an entirely new set of science-based, 10-year national goals aimed at improving Americans' health.</p> <h2>Legislative Action to Expand Obesity Treatment Coverage</h2> <h3>Question #2: The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021</h3> <p>Section 596: Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021 is the policy that I wish to see become legislation in order to improve health. The bill is crucial for increasing the amount of intensive behavioral treatment for obesity covered by Medicare. The policy explicitly provides insurance coverage for treatment that is delivered by a medical professional who is not a primary care clinician, other medical professionals, and authorized counseling programs if offered upon referral from and in cooperation with a doctor or primary care provider (Congress.gov, 2021). At the moment, such therapy can only be covered if it is delivered by a primary care physician. It is essential for preventing obesity because obesity is becoming more prevalent. The bill was introduced by Senator Thomas Carper and cosponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy, Blackburn Marsha, Tammy Baldwin, Gary Peters, Coons Christopher, Capito Shelley Moore, Jacky Rosen, Michael Bennet, Jack Red, Heinrich Martin, and Young Todd (Congress.gov, 2021). These are the members of the committee who can assist in passing the legislation.</p> <h2>Legislative and Executive Roles in Health Policy Development</h2> <h3>Question #3: Influence of Legislators and Governors on the Policy Process</h3> <p>Legislators undertake a significant role in influencing the legislative process and the passage of the bill. Senators and representatives assist in introducing legislation and supporting its passage in the House of Representatives and Congress. These individuals play a key role in introducing and mobilizing support for health-related bills and related regulations. The governor manages the state's executive branch, seeks new and updated regulations, implements state laws, and supervises executive branch operations on behalf of the legislative branch. This role will be crucial for both state-level control and the nationwide prevention of obesity.</p> <h2>Community Needs and Political Support in Healthcare Policymaking</h2> <h3>Question #4: Factors Influencing Health Policy Formulation and Implementation</h3> <p>The formulation and implementation of health policies for use in healthcare settings are influenced by a variety of factors. The needs of the community, for example, have an impact on the establishment and application of health policies. The regulations that will be developed and implemented to satisfy these needs are determined by the health system's main priorities. The development of health-related policies will be influenced by political will and support. Health legislation will be successfully developed and implemented if there is political determination and commitment.</p> <h2>Nurse Practitioner Participation in Political Advocacy</h2> <h3>Question #5: Financial Contributions and Volunteering in Health Policy Processes</h3> <p>Nurse practitioners frequently contribute to and participate in the creation of healthcare laws as a means of promoting political action. Financial contributions are essential to the development and implementation of healthcare policies, which are fundamental components of the healthcare sector. As a result, nursing professionals could frequently take advantage of the opportunity to either make a financial contribution or volunteer their time in planned healthcare policy processes, including formulation and implementation. A nurse practitioner's contribution will be viewed as support for political causes and a signal to legislators that improving the provision of healthcare services is important and requires action (Mason et al., 2020). Donations and volunteering can also be used to gain greater access to the political elite, who play a significant role in developing and implementing the nation's healthcare laws at the federal and state levels of government.</p> <h2>Economic Influences on Health Promotion and Policy Priorities</h2> <h3>Question #6: Financial Sustainability and Resource Allocation in Healthcare</h3> <p>Programs for health promotion and policy at the local, state, federal, and global levels are directly affected by economic factors. Economic factors influence the policies that the healthcare system should prioritize. These include the stability and economic viability of healthcare policies. The goals of healthcare policies include addressing urgent challenges in the health system, allocating funds more effectively, and promoting health.</p> <h2>References Supporting Health Promotion and Policy Analysis</h2> <p>Brassard, A., Quinn, W. V., Little, P., & DiChiacchio, T. (2020). Advocacy for Nurses and Consumers. Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership: A Global Perspective, 313-326.</p> <p>Congress.gov. (2021). S.596 - 117th Congress (2021-2022): Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2021. Congress.gov. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/596</p> <p>Healthy People 2020. (2022). Healthy People 2030 Framework. Healthy People 2020. Retrieved April 14, 2023, from https://wayback.archive-it.org/5774/20220414112518/https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/About-Healthy-People/Development-Healthy-People-2030/Framework</p> <p>Mason, D. J., Perez, A., McLemore, M. R., & Dickson, E. (2020). Policy & politics in nursing and health care-e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.</p>