Policy Analysis of a Health Care Problem or Issue

Description: In this assignment the first 3 steps of the Six-Step Policy Analysis, Proposal-Writing, and Presentation Framework (Jansson, 2011) will be used to provide a policy analysis for a specific health care problem or issue. The problem or issue may have a specific focus related to one the seven problems patients commonly experience described by Jansson (2011):
(1)Financing medical care,
(2)Receiving medical care that does meet accepted standards,
(3)Violations of ethical rights,
(4)Medical care that is not culturally relevant,
(5)Insufficient preventive care,
(6)Unaddressed mental conditions, or
(7)Failure to link consumers to community-based programs.

The topic or issue may also have a broad focus such as health disparities, health care reform, financing long-term care, or health care coverage for immigrants.

Overview:
–After describing the health care problem or issue–(step 1)

–Develop and/or identify at least three solutions to address the problem –(step 2).

–Next, provide an analysis of the merits of each solution followed by clear arguments for selecting one preferred solution, create a matrix that visually displays the three solutions– (step 3).

Instructions:
Use the 1st three steps of the Six-Step Policy Analysis, Proposal-Writing, and
Presentation Framework (Jansson, 2011, Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate, SOWK 535 text, pp. 215-219) below to analyze the health care problem or issue. Use subheadings to organize the content of your paper throughout.

Step 1- Familiarize oneself with a specific health care problem or issue (answer all questions for this step). (minimum page length 4 pages).

%uFFFD What factors led to the problem or issue (political, cultural, fiscal, or other factors).

%uFFFD What solutions (if any) exist for the health care problem or issue and why are they insufficient (in strategy, size or implementation)? Can they be reformed or changed, and if so how, or are new solutions needed?

%uFFFD What is the magnitude of current expenditures on the program or issue? From what sources do these funds come from? Are they sufficient or insufficient?

%uFFFD What adverse consequences does the current problem or issue pose for specific people, communities, and society? What is the level or amount of these consequences? Do the adverse consequences suggest the problem requires urgent action?
%uFFFD In what specific policy arenas can solutions for this problem or issue be developed and enacted (local, state, or federal legislatures; specific local, state, or federal bureaucracies; the courts; the private sector; specific social agencies, public or nongovernmental agencies; or nonpublic entities such as faith-based or for-profit organizations)? Or should the issue or problem be addressed by a combination of these organizations (such as by a strategy that links public and nonpublic agencies)?

Step 2- Identify 3 solutions to the health care problem or issue (minimum page length 3 pages)
%uFFFD The solutions may be selected from any existing policy/regulation, programmatic, or resource options that address the health care problem or issue
%uFFFD The solutions may come from existing proposals that seek to change existing
policy/regulation, programmatic, or resource options that address the health care problem or issue
%uFFFD The solutions may come from your group%uFFFDs proposed changes to existing
policy/regulation, programmatic, or resource options
%uFFFD Or you can develop new solutions to address the health care problem or issue

Step 3- Compare the merits of the three solutions (minimum page length 2 pages)
%uFFFD Select from the criteria options below to present your analysis of the merits of each solution. You must select at least 4 criteria (1 of which MUST be Social Justice). (Jansson, 2011, Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate, SOWK 535 text , pp. 280-285)

%uFFFD Criteria Options:
Value-based criteria, such as: social justice, fairness, confidentiality,
and/or self-determination
Effectiveness (this criteria considers whether the solution will actually
prevent, address, or solve a problem effectively)
Cost Effective
Political feasibility
Ease of Implementation
Create a matrix that illustrates all three solution along with the criteria you select (attach as an appendix).
Lastly, select one solution and provide arguments supporting your selection (minimum half page paragraph).

Additional instructions:
Include social work positions as well as other health care professional positions on the health care problem or issue. The paper should be 9-10 pages, double spaced, and follow the 6th edition of APA, include a minimum of eight references, a cover sheet AND References page.