When politics and medical science intersect, there can be much debate. Sometimes anecdotes or hearsay are misused as evidence to support a particular point. Despite these and other challenges, however, evidence-based approaches are increasingly used to inform health policy decision-making regarding causes of disease, intervention strategies, and issues impacting society. One example is the introduction of childhood vaccinations and the use of evidence-based arguments surrounding their safety.
In this Discussion, you will identify a recently proposed health policy and share your analysis of the evidence in support of this policy.
To Prepare:
- Review the Congress website provided in the Resources and identify one recent (within the past 5 years) proposed health policy.
- Review the health policy you identified and reflect on the background and development of this health policy.
By Day 3 of Week 7
Post a description of the health policy you selected and a brief background for the problem or issue being addressed. Explain whether you believe there is an evidence base to support the proposed policy and explain why. Be specific and provide examples.
By Day 6 of Week 7
Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by either supporting or respectfully challenging their explanation on whether there is an evidence base to support the proposed health policy they described.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
The intersection of politics and medical science can often lead to debates and challenges. However, evidence-based approaches are increasingly being used to inform health policy decisions. In this discussion, a recently proposed health policy will be analyzed for evidence-based arguments in support of its safety.
Answer:
The health policy selected for this discussion is the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare, proposed in 2010. The ACA aimed to increase the number of people with healthcare coverage, improve affordability, and enhance the quality of healthcare services provided. Evidence-based arguments were put forth to support this healthcare policy. For instance, studies showed that in states that expanded Medicaid coverage to include low-income individuals, there was a reduction in mortality rates among this population. Furthermore, the legislation served to prevent discrimination based on pre-existing conditions, leading to better health outcomes for those affected by chronic illnesses.
In conclusion, the ACA was evidence-based regarding the benefits it intended to provide for the American population. However, it is crucial to evaluate its implementation and identify areas for improvement to ensure its effectiveness in the long term.
