Course Overview
Population Health and Health Policy examines how healthcare systems function at national and global levels. This course explores healthcare policy development, government programs (Medicaid, Medicare, ACA), workforce issues, and health disparities affecting vulnerable populations. Students analyze major legislation, advocacy strategies, and the nurse's role in policy implementation. The course addresses global health nursing, international health challenges, and comparative healthcare systems. Emphasis is on understanding how policy decisions impact patient access, quality, and outcomes. Students develop skills in evidence-based advocacy and become informed advocates for health equity.
Learning Objectives
- Understand how health policy is developed, implemented, and evaluated
- Analyze impact of federal programs on access and quality of care
- Examine health disparities and their social and economic determinants
- Explore comparative healthcare systems and global health approaches
- Develop advocacy strategies to influence health policy
- Apply ethical frameworks to policy decisions affecting populations
Lecture Topics
- Week 1: Healthcare Policy Development - Agenda Setting and Legislation
- Week 1: U.S. Healthcare System Overview and Evolution
- Week 2: Medicare Program - History, Coverage, and Reimbursement
- Week 2: Medicaid Program - State Variation and Coverage Gaps
- Week 3: Affordable Care Act (ACA) - Implementation and Outcomes
- Week 3: Health Disparities - Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Socioeconomic Status
- Week 4: Social Determinants and Upstream Prevention
- Week 4: Global Health Nursing and International Health Challenges
- Week 5: Healthcare Systems Comparison - Canada, UK, Germany, Japan
- Week 5: Nursing Workforce Planning and Development
- Week 6: Advocacy and Political Engagement for Nurses
- Week 8: Health Equity and Health Justice Frameworks
Course Quiz
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Flashcards
Resources
Health Policy and Politics (Mason, Leavitt, Chaffee)
Comprehensive policy textbook covering healthcare systems, policy development, and advocacy strategies for nurses.
RequiredCMS.gov - Medicare and Medicaid Official Information
Government resources on Medicare eligibility, Medicaid state programs, and healthcare coverage information.
RequiredKaiser Family Foundation - Healthcare Policy Analysis
Non-partisan health policy research and data on coverage, costs, and legislative impacts.
FreeHealthy People 2030 and National Health Goals
Federal framework for population health objectives and measurement of health equity progress.
Free