Reference no: EM133253334

Healthcare Policies Assignment - Public Health Paper

Part One - Science - This week, we are learning about the social determinants of health. Considering our weekly readings on the social determinants of health and rural populations, discuss at least two social determinants that impact the health of rural populations.

Application - Conduct online research and describe policies or a (proposed) policy that would alleviate issues around a particular social determinant of health (it does NOT need to be one you discussed above). Specifically state and define the determinant. Be sure to cite at least two outside sources in APA format.

Part two - Analyze specific health policies to design, manage, operate and improve the delivery of health services programs

Identify and select a health problem in the US Health Care sector from the list below. Prepare a summary document using the required table format shown below. Note a maximum of five (5) students may select the same topic. In Week One, you need to sign up for a topic in the Assignment One Topic Selection folder. Unless the professor reaches out to you directly, your chosen topic is approved. The table should be single spaced and a maximum of two and a half (2.5) pages. Also include a cover page and a reference page in APA Format (these do not count toward the page limit). Except in the case of titles, use complete sentences, i.e. write using narrative format. No more than 15% of direct quotes or paraphrasing are permitted in the document. Review the bolded text in the Class Guidelines section of the syllabus above for formatting requirements. The topics are as follows:

1. Tobacco dependency threatens the health of many Americans and it poses a preventable burden to the health care system.

2. It is not unusual for patients in US hospitals to acquire preventable diseases, infections and conditions during their stay in the hospital.

3. A growing pool of patients is unable to read and write in the English language. Language is a barrier to effective care delivery as well as patient compliance.

4. Elderly and disabled patients with multiple medications are at risk of medication interactions and potential drug safety concerns.

5. Veterans may suffer from service-related injuries. Both physical and mental health are concerns for the Veteran's Administration (VA).

6. Health care providers are scarce in certain low-income and rural under-served areas in the US, including Native American territories.

7. Disadvantaged patients may seek care in emergency rooms because they have nowhere else to receive services.

8. Disadvantaged children often do not have health insurance and do not receive the preventive care (such as vaccines and well-baby check-ups) that can help avoid long-term health problems.