Introduction
Note: Complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.
Health care systems around the world provide useful models for analysis. Familiarity with different models and approaches to health care enables leaders to identify what works and what does not, as the basis for proposing a change. As we continue to evaluate the complex and fragmented system in the United States, it is important for nurse leaders to become familiar with the programs and systems that provide evidence-based quality care that is affordable and focused on continual improvement.
This assessment provides an opportunity to examine a local or regional health care issue from a global perspective.
Preparation
Your organization, in collaboration with the key stakeholders from the community, is funding an initiative to investigate potential improvements in the local or regional health care system. As a nurse leader attuned to the effects of health care policy and finance on the provision of affordable, high-quality care, you have been asked to join the task force conducting the study.
You know that an examination of other countries’ health care systems can provide a solid, evidence-based foundation for evaluating outcomes and identifying benchmarks. Consequently, you have decided to undertake an analysis of selected, non-U.S. health care systems and compare them to each other and to the existing local or regional U.S. system to help inform decision making as the task force considers proposed changes.
In this assessment, you will propose a change to one aspect of your local or regional health care system or program. Conduct a comparative analysis of different health care systems and summarize your proposed change and findings from your analysis in a report to executive leaders. To prepare for your assessment, you are encouraged to begin thinking about the non-U.S. health care systems you might like to examine. In addition, you may wish to:
Review the assessment requirements and scoring guide to ensure that you understand the work you will be asked to complete.
Review Guiding Questions: Proposing Evidence-Based Change [DOCX] Download Guiding Questions: Proposing Evidence-Based Change [DOCX], which includes questions to consider and additional guidance on how to successfully complete the assessment.
Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.
MSN Program Journey
The following is a useful map that will guide you as you continue your MSN program. This map gives you an overview of all the steps required to prepare for your practicum and to complete your degree. It also outlines the support that will be available to you along the way.
MSN Program Journey.
Templates
Use this template for your summary report.
Summary Report Template [DOCX] Download Summary Report Template [DOCX].
Requirements
Complete this assessment in three steps:
Propose a change to one aspect of your local or regional health care system or program that would improve outcomes.
Conduct a comparative analysis of different health care systems, focusing on one aspect of the system you are proposing to change.
Summarize your proposed change and the results of your comparative analysis in a report to executive leaders.
The summary report requirements outlined below, correspond to the grading criteria in the scoring guide for Proposing Evidence-Based Change, so be sure to address each point. Read the performance-level descriptions for each criterion to see how your work will be assessed. The Guiding Questions: Proposing Evidence-Based Change document provides additional considerations that may be helpful in completing your assessment. In addition, be sure to note the requirements below for document format and length and for citing supporting evidence.
Identify an aspect of a local or regional health care system or program that should be a focus for change.
Define desirable outcomes, including who will pay for care and factors limiting achievement of those outcomes.
Analyze two non-U.S. health care systems or programs that offer insight into a proposed change for a health care system or program in the United States.
Choose one of the following options for selecting the two systems or programs:
Option 1: Select two systems at opposite ends of the scale in terms of desirable outcomes for the issue reflected in your proposed change.
Option 2: Select two systems that both produce positive outcomes but take unique or innovative approaches to the problem.
Compare the outcomes in each non-U.S. system with each other and with present outcomes in your local or regional health care system.
Explain why specific changes will lead to improved outcomes.
Determine the financial and health implications associated with the proposed changes.
Address the implications of making the changes.
Address the implications of not making the changes.
Write clearly and concisely in a logically coherent and appropriate form and style.
Support assertions, arguments, propositions, and conclusions with relevant and credible evidence.
Document Format and Length
Use the Summary Report Template. This APA Style Paper Tutorial [DOCX] can help you in writing and formatting your assessment. If you would like to use a different worksheet for your community health assessment, obtain prior approval from faculty.
Your summary report should be 4–5 pages in length, not including the title page and references page.
Be sure to apply correct APA formatting to all source citations and references.
Supporting Evidence
Cite 3–5 credible sources from peer-reviewed journals or professional industry publications to support your comparative analysis.
Additional Requirements
Be sure to delete all directions from the template before submitting your summary report. In addition, proofread your report to minimize errors that could distract readers and make it difficult for them to focus on the substance of your analysis.
Portfolio Prompt: You may choose to save your summary report to your ePortfolio.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
Competency 1: Identify the challenges and opportunities facing health care.
Identify an aspect of a local or regional health care system or program that should be a focus for change.
Competency 2: Compare the effects of different health care finance models and policy frameworks on resources and patient outcomes.
Define desirable outcomes, including who will pay for care and factors limiting achievement of those outcomes.
Analyze two non-U.S. health care systems or programs that offer insight into a proposed change for a health care system or program in the United States.
Competency 3: Evaluate the positive and negative influences of leaders on health care processes and outcomes.
Determine the financial and health implications of making—and not making—proposed changes to a health care system or program.
Competency 4: Develop proactive strategies to change the culture of the organization by incorporating evidence-based practices.
Explain why specific changes will lead to improved outcomes.
Competency 5: Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, in an appropriate form and style consistent with applicable organizational, professional, and scholarly standards.
Write clearly and concisely in a logically coherent and appropriate form and style.
Support assertions, arguments, propositions, and conclusions with relevant and credible evidence.
