What is standing in the way of a healthy society

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Medicine is a social science, and politics nothing but medicine at a larger scale.
—Rudolf Virchow, 1848

What is standing in the way of a healthy society? What role does policy play in influencing positive social change as it relates to health? Considering policy influence and the political determinants of health may make all the difference in enacting beneficial change to healthcare as we know it.

In this module, you will explore how the political determinants of health shape healthcare systems, policy, and society. This introduction will serve as your foundation to delve into policy, advocacy, and change as we progress through the course.

 

When healthcare works, it is often the result of effective policies. When it falls short, it can also be the case that policies have created a challenging environment that prevents equitable access to quality care. During this first week of the course, you will be introduced to the importance of healthcare policy, and you will consider how your role as a nurse can influence healthcare policy.

In your role, you see daily the impact of the political determinants of health, as well as whether or not healthcare policies are influencing public health in the way intended. As a result, your voice is an important and meaningful voice in advocating for effective policies.

During Week 1, you will consider the impact of inequality on healthcare. You will differentiate inequity from inequality and examine their impact on healthcare. You will explore the role of advocacy, as well as how you might serve as an advocate in the policy area.

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Discuss the political determinants of health as a framework for nurse engagement in policy advocacy

DISCUSSION

Allegory of the Orchard

The Allegory of the Orchard presents barriers and challenges of underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized populations and communities. These barriers and challenges highlight the importance of understanding the impact of political determinants of health on such groups. This allegory encourages an identification, understanding, analysis, and response to these factors as members of the healthcare community.

For this Discussion, consider the role of the political determinants of health on underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized populations and communities. How might advocates address the health disparities to promote equity and access to high quality healthcare?

 

  • View and read the Learning Resources regarding The Allegory of the Orchard.
  • Consider the role of political determinants of health on disparities in health for some groups.
  • Consider if advocates should be more concerned with policies that promote equality or equity.
  • Explore your role, as a nurse, in addressing these determinants in our policy advocacy efforts.

Post a response detailing the following:

  • Use The Allegory of the Orchardto discuss how the political determinants of health negatively impact the health outcomes of a group of patients for whom you care. Why are you, as a nurse, the right person to become politically involved in addressing these determinants?

Learning Resources

Required Resources

Readings

  • Dawes, D. E. (2020). The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
    • “Foreword (pp. ix–xi)
    • Chapter 1, “The Allegory of the Orchard: The Political Determinants of Health Inequalities” (pp. 1–17)
  • Porche, D. J. (2023). Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals(3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
    • Chapter 1, “Policy Overview” (pp.1–20)
    • Chapter 6, “Healthcare Systems” (pp. 81–92)

 

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What is standing in the way of a healthy society

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