The health problem –health policy link

Identify a health problem in the US Health Care sector from the list below.  Prepare a summary document using the required format. The table should be single spaced and total no more than 2.5 pages in 11 to 12 point font. Except in the case of titles, use complete sentences, i.e. write using narrative format. Include a cover page and a list of references in APA Format.  No more than 15% of direct quotes or paraphrasing are permitted in the document. Select from the following health problems. Note only three (3) to four (4) students may select each topic area. The Instructor will establish a conference to sign up these topics. First-come. First-served:

  1. Tobacco dependency threatens the health of many Americans and it poses a preventable burden to the healthcare system.
  2. It is not unusual for patients in US hospitals to acquire preventable diseases infections and conditions during their stay in the hospital.
  3. A growing pool of patients is unable to read and write in the English language. Language is a barrier to effective care delivery as well as patient compliance.
  4. Elderly and disabled patients with multiple medications are at risk of medication interactions and potential drug safety concerns.
  5. Veterans may suffer from service-related injuries, both physical and mental health are concerns for the VA.
  6. Not all medical devices are constructed safely.  Patients and providers rely on their safety.
  7. Health care providers are scarce in certain low-income and rural underserved areas in the US, including Native American territories.
  8. Disadvantaged patients may seek care in emergency rooms because they have nowhere else to receive services.
  9. Disadvantaged children often do not have health insurance and do not receive the preventive care (such as vaccines and well-baby check-ups) that can avoid long-term health problems. 

HGMT 310 Assignment #1

Student Name:

Type your name here.

Assignment #1 Title:

Provide the title of the topic you selected/Instructor approved

Health Problem:

Describe and provide details about the health problem.

Indicate in detail:

-Who is most impacted by this health problem? Include relevant statistics (incidence, mortality, morbidity, etc);

-This section must include how the problem impacts:

1. patients,

2. health provider professionals,

3. health organizations,

4. healthcare insurers and payers,

5. government.

-Note the human and financial costs for the healthcare system. 

Healthy People 2020:

Summarize the health problem as recognized by Healthy People 2020’s goals for the nation.

-Include a discussion on the which social determinants of health impacts the health issue you selected.

-Does another governmental agency or public health organization describe the problem? If so, provide details on how this agency/organization describes the problem.

-If HP2020 does not discuss the health problem you selected, describe why you believe this issue was excluded from HP2020.

Official Title and Citation of the Legislation:

Research policy websites. What policy is associated with the public health problem you selected? 

Indicate the government’s response to the health problem you selected by including the exact title of the legislation in this section. 

Describe the public policy response:

Describe the scope of the legislation and the anticipated impact on the chosen health issue in the population.

 Current Status:

To date, provide a few sentences that describe the status of your topic in the policymaking cycle.

 Policy and SDH

Does the policy address, facilitate or hinder access to the social determinants of health? 


In your findings, would you say the health policy adequately addresses the health problem you identified? Why or Why not? Be specific. 

Resources for


What (policy) resources would a health organization use to check for updates on this policy?

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