Assignment Prompt & Instructions
Policy briefs
– 2 years ago
**files (3)**
– ## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.1..docx
– ## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.2..docx
– DUE.1.24.25.HealthcarePolicyandAnalysis.docx
**## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.1..docx**
1
**policy issues and theory explored**
**Nursing Values and Ethics in Addressing Mental Health Access for Low-Income Populations**
Tina Cherry
Walden University
Healthcare Policy and Analysis: NURS-8100C
Dr. Mark Wells
December 7, 2024
Nursing Values and Ethics in Addressing Mental Health Access for Low-Income Populations
Nursing values and professional ethics are essential to addressing advocacy priorities like increasing access to mental health for low-income individuals. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics outlines the principles of justice, advocacy, and equity, which are relevant to this issue. Nurses have an ethical duty to protect the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized people, including providing equal access to appropriate health care. Low-income populations are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of mental health, as they are often unable to access adequate care due to financial constraints, lack of available providers, and cultural perceptions of mental illness (Hodgkinson et al., 2017). Responding to this issue aligns with the value of compassionate care in nursing, which includes the mental aspect of health as a part of the person.
Further, the ANA Code of Ethics mandates that nurses must “promote health and safety of the patient,” which aligns with the prioritization of this issue. Mental health care is not just a medical issue but a human rights concern. Promoting justice also forms part of ethical nursing practice, where it is required that barriers to care be removed through advocating for policy change especially where they impact the marginalized groups. Professional code of ethics demands that nurses contribute to the development and advocacy for policies that eradicate health disparities so that each individual has a chance at the best possible health.
**Why Nursing Values and Ethics Demand Action**
Given that mental health access for low-income populations is a matter of equity and justice, nursing values and ethics require that the issue remain on the policy agenda. Justice in nursing means fair and reasonable distribution of healthcare resources. These populations will continue to endure preventable mental health crises if there are no specific policies addressing their needs, resulting in poverty and poor health cycles. Moreover, nursing values like advocacy and respect for individuals’ worth point to the profession’s obligation to redress these imbalances (Essex et al., 2024). Failing to treat mental health in low-income people goes against these tenets and lets unnecessary pain persist.
**The Role of Law, Ethics, and Politics**
When contrasting this issue with law, ethics, and politics, it is evident that while politics and law are practical forces that create the most substantial change and impact, ethics is the driving force behind an advocacy agenda. Ethical considerations compel nurses to recognize problems and seek change, but policy change is the way through which such changes can be implemented. For instance, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) shows how legislation can go a long way in improving mental health services. Despite this, political will is crucial to ensure the enforcement and financing of these laws properly. For example, raising Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services is possible only with legislative support and political lobbying to make it sustainable.
However, it is the combination of politics and law that has the greatest influence in terms of addressing systemic change. The advocacy efforts must be directed towards the policy makers to ensure that they consider the mental health access and make provisions for people who cannot afford to pay for their services (Scott & Scott, 2021). Given the nature of their profession, nurses are well positioned to be advocates for the rights of low-income patients with mental health disorders, translating policy into practice and vice versa. It is therefore possible to advance the ethic and value of nursing by ensuring that low-income groups have access to mental health services through engaging law and politics. This approach is consistent with our professional responsibility to pursue justice, to advocate for and to defend human worth and value.
References
Essex, R., Mainey, L., Dillard‐Wright, J., & Richardson, S. (2024). Political action in nursing and medical codes of ethics.
_Nursing Inquiry_, e12658.
Hodgkinson, S., Godoy, L., Beers, L. S., & Lewin, A. (2017). Improving mental health access for low-income children and families in the primary care setting.
_Pediatrics_, 139(1)..
Scott, S. M., & Scott, P. A. (2021). Nursing, advocacy and public policy.
_Nursing ethics_, 28(5), 723-733.
**## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.2..docx**
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| — | — | — |
| | | 1 |
**policy issues and theory explored**
**Policy Model**
Tina Cherry
Walden University
Healthcare Policy and Analysis: NURS-8100C
Dr. Mark Wells
December 19, 2024
Policy Model
**Selection of a Policymaking Framework to Support Advocacy Priority**
Policy advocacy requires the use of proper models to support advocacy agenda and to provide a framework on how to advance policies that would benefit the targeted groups. In the context of this assignment, out of all the policy-making frameworks, the Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework is the most appropriate to build on my advocacy priority. Kingdon’s model focuses on three distinct streams: problem, policy, and politics, that must align at a “policy window” for policy initiatives to gain traction (Porche, 2021). It is most useful where the aim is to secure an initial foothold on the policy agenda because it emphasizes the timing, context, and political climate for an issue.
**Explanation of Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework**
The Multiple Streams Framework is based on the idea that policies move forward when conditions are right; problem stream, policy stream, and political stream. The problem stream is centered on defining the issue that is of interest to policymakers. In this stream, advocates try to make the problem a priority by presenting facts, case studies, and other forms of convincing evidence that show that it is an issue that needs to be addressed (Cairney & Jones, 2016). The policy stream includes the definition of potential policy solutions that can be regarded as suitable for the problem and can be applied in practice. Finally, the political stream focuses on political events of the present day, such as public opinion, interest group activities, and changes in political leadership. For a policy to move forward, these streams must align within a short window of opportunity created by crises, public pressure, or political change.
**Why Kingdon’s Framework is the Best Fit**
Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework is the most suitable model because it offers a systematic approach to the framing of the agenda without being overly rigid, which is essential in the process of pushing for advocacy agenda. Realizing the significance of timing and the integration of other important components, the model underscores the importance of seizing opportunities (Porche, 2021). For instance, if the advocacy priority is to increase mental health services for marginalized populations, this model presents a clear approach to amplify the cause. The problem stream would entail providing a persuasive argument that would include statistical data on the increasing rates of mental health disorders in certain populations and disparities in utilization of services. On the same note, the policy stream would focus on practical options such as provision of more funds to support community-based mental health care services or developing mental health check-ups as a part of outpatient services. Finally, the political stream could concentrate on mobilization, lobbying, and partnering with like-minded policy makers in order to advance the agenda. This framework is helpful for nursing advocates and health professionals as it emphasizes the identification of the problem and the search for evidence-based solutions.
**Applying Kingdon’s Framework to Move the Priority Forward**
In implementing the Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework, the first process would entail the use of quantitative and qualitative data to show the relevancy of the problem. The second step would comprise coming up with realistic and practical policy recommendations. These solutions would be evidence based and conform to the current best practice in the field. Such solutions must not only solve the problem but also take into account the costs of the solution and the practical issues of implementation. The third step is to concentrate on the political stream, which involves finding allies within the legislative or executive branch to champion the cause and partnering with key stakeholders including professional bodies, patients’ organizations, and other community-based organizations. Further, this step would entail tracking the political context to determine when it is most conducive to act.
References
Cairney, P., & Jones, M. D. (2016). K ingdon's multiple streams approach: what is the empirical impact of this universal theory?.
_Policy studies journal,_ 44(1), 37-58.
Porche, D. J. (2021).
_Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals_. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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**DUE.1.24.25.HealthcarePolicyandAnalysis.docx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/due-1-24-25-healthcarepolicyandanalysis-docx)
**DUE.1.24.25.HealthcarePolicyandAnalysis.docx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/due-1-24-25-healthcarepolicyandanalysis-docx)
**## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.1..docx**
1
**policy issues and theory explored**
**Nursing Values and Ethics in Addressing Mental Health Access for Low-Income Populations**
Tina Cherry
Walden University
Healthcare Policy and Analysis: NURS-8100C
Dr. Mark Wells
December 7, 2024
Nursing Values and Ethics in Addressing Mental Health Access for Low-Income Populations
Nursing values and professional ethics are essential to addressing advocacy priorities like increasing access to mental health for low-income individuals. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics outlines the principles of justice, advocacy, and equity, which are relevant to this issue. Nurses have an ethical duty to protect the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized people, including providing equal access to appropriate health care. Low-income populations are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of mental health, as they are often unable to access adequate care due to financial constraints, lack of available providers, and cultural perceptions of mental illness (Hodgkinson et al., 2017). Responding to this issue aligns with the value of compassionate care in nursing, which includes the mental aspect of health as a part of the person.
Further, the ANA Code of Ethics mandates that nurses must “promote health and safety of the patient,” which aligns with the prioritization of this issue. Mental health care is not just a medical issue but a human rights concern. Promoting justice also forms part of ethical nursing practice, where it is required that barriers to care be removed through advocating for policy change especially where they impact the marginalized groups. Professional code of ethics demands that nurses contribute to the development and advocacy for policies that eradicate health disparities so that each individual has a chance at the best possible health.
**Why Nursing Values and Ethics Demand Action**
Given that mental health access for low-income populations is a matter of equity and justice, nursing values and ethics require that the issue remain on the policy agenda. Justice in nursing means fair and reasonable distribution of healthcare resources. These populations will continue to endure preventable mental health crises if there are no specific policies addressing their needs, resulting in poverty and poor health cycles. Moreover, nursing values like advocacy and respect for individuals’ worth point to the profession’s obligation to redress these imbalances (Essex et al., 2024). Failing to treat mental health in low-income people goes against these tenets and lets unnecessary pain persist.
**The Role of Law, Ethics, and Politics**
When contrasting this issue with law, ethics, and politics, it is evident that while politics and law are practical forces that create the most substantial change and impact, ethics is the driving force behind an advocacy agenda. Ethical considerations compel nurses to recognize problems and seek change, but policy change is the way through which such changes can be implemented. For instance, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) shows how legislation can go a long way in improving mental health services. Despite this, political will is crucial to ensure the enforcement and financing of these laws properly. For example, raising Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services is possible only with legislative support and political lobbying to make it sustainable.
However, it is the combination of politics and law that has the greatest influence in terms of addressing systemic change. The advocacy efforts must be directed towards the policy makers to ensure that they consider the mental health access and make provisions for people who cannot afford to pay for their services (Scott & Scott, 2021). Given the nature of their profession, nurses are well positioned to be advocates for the rights of low-income patients with mental health disorders, translating policy into practice and vice versa. It is therefore possible to advance the ethic and value of nursing by ensuring that low-income groups have access to mental health services through engaging law and politics. This approach is consistent with our professional responsibility to pursue justice, to advocate for and to defend human worth and value.
References
Essex, R., Mainey, L., Dillard‐Wright, J., & Richardson, S. (2024). Political action in nursing and medical codes of ethics.
_Nursing Inquiry_, e12658.
Hodgkinson, S., Godoy, L., Beers, L. S., & Lewin, A. (2017). Improving mental health access for low-income children and families in the primary care setting.
_Pediatrics_, 139(1)..
Scott, S. M., & Scott, P. A. (2021). Nursing, advocacy and public policy.
_Nursing ethics_, 28(5), 723-733.
**## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.2..docx**
| | | |
| — | — | — |
| | | 1 |
**policy issues and theory explored**
**Policy Model**
Tina Cherry
Walden University
Healthcare Policy and Analysis: NURS-8100C
Dr. Mark Wells
December 19, 2024
Policy Model
**Selection of a Policymaking Framework to Support Advocacy Priority**
Policy advocacy requires the use of proper models to support advocacy agenda and to provide a framework on how to advance policies that would benefit the targeted groups. In the context of this assignment, out of all the policy-making frameworks, the Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework is the most appropriate to build on my advocacy priority. Kingdon’s model focuses on three distinct streams: problem, policy, and politics, that must align at a “policy window” for policy initiatives to gain traction (Porche, 2021). It is most useful where the aim is to secure an initial foothold on the policy agenda because it emphasizes the timing, context, and political climate for an issue.
**Explanation of Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework**
The Multiple Streams Framework is based on the idea that policies move forward when conditions are right; problem stream, policy stream, and political stream. The problem stream is centered on defining the issue that is of interest to policymakers. In this stream, advocates try to make the problem a priority by presenting facts, case studies, and other forms of convincing evidence that show that it is an issue that needs to be addressed (Cairney & Jones, 2016). The policy stream includes the definition of potential policy solutions that can be regarded as suitable for the problem and can be applied in practice. Finally, the political stream focuses on political events of the present day, such as public opinion, interest group activities, and changes in political leadership. For a policy to move forward, these streams must align within a short window of opportunity created by crises, public pressure, or political change.
**Why Kingdon’s Framework is the Best Fit**
Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework is the most suitable model because it offers a systematic approach to the framing of the agenda without being overly rigid, which is essential in the process of pushing for advocacy agenda. Realizing the significance of timing and the integration of other important components, the model underscores the importance of seizing opportunities (Porche, 2021). For instance, if the advocacy priority is to increase mental health services for marginalized populations, this model presents a clear approach to amplify the cause. The problem stream would entail providing a persuasive argument that would include statistical data on the increasing rates of mental health disorders in certain populations and disparities in utilization of services. On the same note, the policy stream would focus on practical options such as provision of more funds to support community-based mental health care services or developing mental health check-ups as a part of outpatient services. Finally, the political stream could concentrate on mobilization, lobbying, and partnering with like-minded policy makers in order to advance the agenda. This framework is helpful for nursing advocates and health professionals as it emphasizes the identification of the problem and the search for evidence-based solutions.
**Applying Kingdon’s Framework to Move the Priority Forward**
In implementing the Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework, the first process would entail the use of quantitative and qualitative data to show the relevancy of the problem. The second step would comprise coming up with realistic and practical policy recommendations. These solutions would be evidence based and conform to the current best practice in the field. Such solutions must not only solve the problem but also take into account the costs of the solution and the practical issues of implementation. The third step is to concentrate on the political stream, which involves finding allies within the legislative or executive branch to champion the cause and partnering with key stakeholders including professional bodies, patients’ organizations, and other community-based organizations. Further, this step would entail tracking the political context to determine when it is most conducive to act.
References
Cairney, P., & Jones, M. D. (2016). K ingdon's multiple streams approach: what is the empirical impact of this universal theory?.
_Policy studies journal,_ 44(1), 37-58.
Porche, D. J. (2021).
_Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals_. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
| | | |
| — | — | — |
| | | |
**DUE.1.24.25.HealthcarePolicyandAnalysis.docx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/due-1-24-25-healthcarepolicyandanalysis-docx)
**## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.1..docx**
1
**policy issues and theory explored**
**Nursing Values and Ethics in Addressing Mental Health Access for Low-Income Populations**
Tina Cherry
Walden University
Healthcare Policy and Analysis: NURS-8100C
Dr. Mark Wells
December 7, 2024
Nursing Values and Ethics in Addressing Mental Health Access for Low-Income Populations
Nursing values and professional ethics are essential to addressing advocacy priorities like increasing access to mental health for low-income individuals. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics outlines the principles of justice, advocacy, and equity, which are relevant to this issue. Nurses have an ethical duty to protect the rights of the vulnerable and marginalized people, including providing equal access to appropriate health care. Low-income populations are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of mental health, as they are often unable to access adequate care due to financial constraints, lack of available providers, and cultural perceptions of mental illness (Hodgkinson et al., 2017). Responding to this issue aligns with the value of compassionate care in nursing, which includes the mental aspect of health as a part of the person.
Further, the ANA Code of Ethics mandates that nurses must “promote health and safety of the patient,” which aligns with the prioritization of this issue. Mental health care is not just a medical issue but a human rights concern. Promoting justice also forms part of ethical nursing practice, where it is required that barriers to care be removed through advocating for policy change especially where they impact the marginalized groups. Professional code of ethics demands that nurses contribute to the development and advocacy for policies that eradicate health disparities so that each individual has a chance at the best possible health.
**Why Nursing Values and Ethics Demand Action**
Given that mental health access for low-income populations is a matter of equity and justice, nursing values and ethics require that the issue remain on the policy agenda. Justice in nursing means fair and reasonable distribution of healthcare resources. These populations will continue to endure preventable mental health crises if there are no specific policies addressing their needs, resulting in poverty and poor health cycles. Moreover, nursing values like advocacy and respect for individuals’ worth point to the profession’s obligation to redress these imbalances (Essex et al., 2024). Failing to treat mental health in low-income people goes against these tenets and lets unnecessary pain persist.
**The Role of Law, Ethics, and Politics**
When contrasting this issue with law, ethics, and politics, it is evident that while politics and law are practical forces that create the most substantial change and impact, ethics is the driving force behind an advocacy agenda. Ethical considerations compel nurses to recognize problems and seek change, but policy change is the way through which such changes can be implemented. For instance, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) shows how legislation can go a long way in improving mental health services. Despite this, political will is crucial to ensure the enforcement and financing of these laws properly. For example, raising Medicaid reimbursement for mental health services is possible only with legislative support and political lobbying to make it sustainable.
However, it is the combination of politics and law that has the greatest influence in terms of addressing systemic change. The advocacy efforts must be directed towards the policy makers to ensure that they consider the mental health access and make provisions for people who cannot afford to pay for their services (Scott & Scott, 2021). Given the nature of their profession, nurses are well positioned to be advocates for the rights of low-income patients with mental health disorders, translating policy into practice and vice versa. It is therefore possible to advance the ethic and value of nursing by ensuring that low-income groups have access to mental health services through engaging law and politics. This approach is consistent with our professional responsibility to pursue justice, to advocate for and to defend human worth and value.
References
Essex, R., Mainey, L., Dillard‐Wright, J., & Richardson, S. (2024). Political action in nursing and medical codes of ethics.
_Nursing Inquiry_, e12658.
Hodgkinson, S., Godoy, L., Beers, L. S., & Lewin, A. (2017). Improving mental health access for low-income children and families in the primary care setting.
_Pediatrics_, 139(1)..
Scott, S. M., & Scott, P. A. (2021). Nursing, advocacy and public policy.
_Nursing ethics_, 28(5), 723-733.
**## policyissuesandtheoryexplored.2..docx**
| | | |
| — | — | — |
| | | 1 |
**policy issues and theory explored**
**Policy Model**
Tina Cherry
Walden University
Healthcare Policy and Analysis: NURS-8100C
Dr. Mark Wells
December 19, 2024
Policy Model
**Selection of a Policymaking Framework to Support Advocacy Priority**
Policy advocacy requires the use of proper models to support advocacy agenda and to provide a framework on how to advance policies that would benefit the targeted groups. In the context of this assignment, out of all the policy-making frameworks, the Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework is the most appropriate to build on my advocacy priority. Kingdon’s model focuses on three distinct streams: problem, policy, and politics, that must align at a “policy window” for policy initiatives to gain traction (Porche, 2021). It is most useful where the aim is to secure an initial foothold on the policy agenda because it emphasizes the timing, context, and political climate for an issue.
**Explanation of Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework**
The Multiple Streams Framework is based on the idea that policies move forward when conditions are right; problem stream, policy stream, and political stream. The problem stream is centered on defining the issue that is of interest to policymakers. In this stream, advocates try to make the problem a priority by presenting facts, case studies, and other forms of convincing evidence that show that it is an issue that needs to be addressed (Cairney & Jones, 2016). The policy stream includes the definition of potential policy solutions that can be regarded as suitable for the problem and can be applied in practice. Finally, the political stream focuses on political events of the present day, such as public opinion, interest group activities, and changes in political leadership. For a policy to move forward, these streams must align within a short window of opportunity created by crises, public pressure, or political change.
**Why Kingdon’s Framework is the Best Fit**
Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework is the most suitable model because it offers a systematic approach to the framing of the agenda without being overly rigid, which is essential in the process of pushing for advocacy agenda. Realizing the significance of timing and the integration of other important components, the model underscores the importance of seizing opportunities (Porche, 2021). For instance, if the advocacy priority is to increase mental health services for marginalized populations, this model presents a clear approach to amplify the cause. The problem stream would entail providing a persuasive argument that would include statistical data on the increasing rates of mental health disorders in certain populations and disparities in utilization of services. On the same note, the policy stream would focus on practical options such as provision of more funds to support community-based mental health care services or developing mental health check-ups as a part of outpatient services. Finally, the political stream could concentrate on mobilization, lobbying, and partnering with like-minded policy makers in order to advance the agenda. This framework is helpful for nursing advocates and health professionals as it emphasizes the identification of the problem and the search for evidence-based solutions.
**Applying Kingdon’s Framework to Move the Priority Forward**
In implementing the Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework, the first process would entail the use of quantitative and qualitative data to show the relevancy of the problem. The second step would comprise coming up with realistic and practical policy recommendations. These solutions would be evidence based and conform to the current best practice in the field. Such solutions must not only solve the problem but also take into account the costs of the solution and the practical issues of implementation. The third step is to concentrate on the political stream, which involves finding allies within the legislative or executive branch to champion the cause and partnering with key stakeholders including professional bodies, patients’ organizations, and other community-based organizations. Further, this step would entail tracking the political context to determine when it is most conducive to act.
References
Cairney, P., & Jones, M. D. (2016). K ingdon's multiple streams approach: what is the empirical impact of this universal theory?.
_Policy studies journal,_ 44(1), 37-58.
Porche, D. J. (2021).
_Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals_. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
| | | |
| — | — | — |
| | | |
**DUE.1.24.25.HealthcarePolicyandAnalysis.docx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/due-1-24-25-healthcarepolicyandanalysis-docx)