NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

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NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue Instructions

Write a brief 2-3 page report about a health care economic issue that you have identified. Address the reasons why you selected the issue you did; identify how this issue impacts the work of you, your colleagues, and your organization; and describe the gap that you see contributing to this issue. Have a look at NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 2 Needs Analysis for Change.

Introduction

Note: Each assessment in this course builds upon the work you have completed in previous assessments. Therefore, you must complete the assessments in the order in which they are presented.

Health care economics has the potential to affect each of us either personally or professionally. This impact can be viewed from a health economics point-of-view (where we discuss the value of health care and its efficiency), or it can examine how health care is financed (focus on how health care is funded). Health economics and health care funding have the potential to influence health care outcomes in a variety of ways. As you move through this course, you will work toward developing a potential solution for a health care issue within your current or desired health care system. The goal of this assessment is to identify an economic health care issue that you will address throughout the course.

Context and Background

Health care economics has the potential to affect each of us either personally or professionally. This impact can be viewed from a health economics point-of-view (where we discuss the value of health care and its efficiency) or it can examine how health care is financed (focus on how health care is funded). Health economics and health care funding have the potential to influence health care outcomes in a variety of ways. The bulleted list below outlines topics and health care issues that many institutions encounter. Organizations often have to implement strategies or initiatives to resolve or improve these issues and create positive patient and institution outcomes.

Examples of health care economic issues:

  • The influence of health care economics on community health—for example, social determinants of health (such as access to care and health care finance).
    • Supply and demand: How do we in the health care environment exist when there are more needs from communities and patients than we have the resources to supply? An example of this would be a high number of patients and low resource levels such as staff, supplies, and equipment.
    • The public’s attitude toward health, disease, and the health care system—for example, how money is distributed has the potential to impact the health care outcomes of certain populations. An example of this would be the lack of access and funding for underserved and rural communities.
    • Other issues might include access to care, social determinants of health, senior health, food insecurity or food desserts, inadequate staffing, homelessness, rehospitalization environmental issues leading to chronic disease, et cetera.

As you move through this course, you will work toward developing a potential solution for a health care issue within your current or desired health care system. The goal of this assessment is to identify an economic health care issue that you will address throughout the course.

Later in the course, you will (a) conduct a needs analysis to justify your focus on this topic area using the literature of the field, (b) present an argument for change in your organization bolstered by a cost-benefit analysis, and (c) advocate for this change at the state level. Keep these future assessments in mind as you select your topic.

Instructions

For this assessment, you will write a brief 2–3 page report about the health care economic issue that you have identified. In addition, you will also be asked to:

  • Address the reasons you selected the issue.
    • Identify how the issue impacts the work of you, your colleagues, and your organization.
    • Describe the gap that you see contributing to this issue.

Be sure to address each main point. Review the assessment instructions and scoring guide, including performance-level descriptions for each criterion, to ensure you understand the work you will be asked to complete and how it will be assessed. In addition, note the requirements for document format and length and for supporting evidence.

Overall, you will be assessed on the following criteria:

  • Describe a health care economic issue and how it impacts a specific community or population.
    • Note the data, information, or observations used to support your description.
    • Explain the rationale for choosing your health care economic issue.
    • Explain how the health care economic issue has affected your work, your organization, your colleagues, and your community.
    • Identify the gap that is contributing to the need to address the economic issue.
      • Cite at least one piece of evidence to support your identification of the gap. This could be public health data, a peer-reviewed journal article, or another scholarly source.
    • Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.

Additional Requirements

  • Length of Submission: 2–3 double-spaced pages.
    • Number of References: Cite at least one piece of evidence to support your identification of the gap. This could be public health data, a peer-reviewed journal article, or another scholarly source.
    • APA formatting: Titles, headings, resources, and citations are formatted according to the APA style.

Note: As you revise your writing, check out the resources listed on the Writing Center’s Writing Support page.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

  • Competency 1: Analyze the effects of financial and economic factors (such as cost-benefit, supply and demand, return on investment, and risks) in a health care system on patient care, services offered, and organizational structures and operation.
    • Explain the rationale for choosing the health care economic issue.
    • Competency 2: Develop ethical and culturally equitable solutions to economic problems within a health care organization in an effort to improve the quality of care and services offered.
      • Describe a health care economic issue and how it impacts a specific community or population.
    • Competency 3: Justify the qualitative and quantitative information used to guide economic decision making to stakeholders and colleagues.
      • Identify the gap that is contributing to the need to address the economic issue.
    • Competency 4: Develop ethical and culturally equitable economic strategies to address dynamic environmental forces and ensure the future security of an organization’s resources and its ability to provide quality care.
      • Explain how the health care economic issue has affected your work, your organization, colleagues, and community.
    • Competency 5: Produce clear, coherent, and professional written work, in accordance with Capella writing standards.
      • Convey purpose, in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.

NHS-FPX6008 Assessment 1 Identifying a Local Health Care Economic Issue Example

Effect of Increasing Price of Prescription Drugs on the Elderly Population

Health Care Economic Issue

One of the significant healthcare economic issues in the United States is the rising cost of prescription drugs. This issue affects both individuals and communities, as the cost of medication can be a significant financial burden. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that in 2021, the average cost of prescription drugs per person was $1,200 (Lopes & Stokes, 2021). This is a significant increase from the previous years, and the trend is expected to continue.

One community heavily impacted by the rising cost of prescription drugs is the elderly population. As people age, they are more likely to develop chronic illnesses that require ongoing medication, such as diabetes or heart disease. According to the National Council on Aging, the average Medicare beneficiary takes 4 to 5 prescription drugs per month, and those with multiple chronic conditions may take even more. For many seniors living on a fixed income, the cost of prescription drugs can be unaffordable, leading them to skip doses or not fill their prescriptions at all.

Rationale for Choosing the Healthcare Economic Issue

The rationale for choosing the healthcare economic issue of rising prescription drug costs is based on the significant impact it has on both individuals and communities. Prescription drugs are an essential component of healthcare for many individuals, particularly those with chronic illnesses or conditions that require ongoing medication. This issue has significant health consequences for the elderly population, as it can lead to worsening health outcomes and increased hospitalizations.

It also has broader economic implications, as the cost of treating preventable health conditions is ultimately borne by taxpayers and the healthcare system as a whole (Ghosh et al.,2019). Addressing the rising cost of prescription drugs will require a multifaceted approach, including policy solutions that promote price transparency and competition and increased investment in preventative care and disease management programs. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach and is crucial for improving individuals’ and communities’ overall health and well-being.

Effect of Health Care Economic Issue

The rising cost of prescription drugs has affected nurses, hospitals, colleagues, and the community. Nurses are responsible for ensuring patients receive appropriate medications and dosages, but the cost of prescriptions can lead to concerns about patient affordability and adherence. Additionally, hospitals may have difficulty budgeting for expensive drugs, affecting the availability of resources for patient care (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2019). Colleagues in the healthcare field may also face challenges in providing patients with the necessary medications. In the community, the rising cost of prescriptions can lead to financial burdens for individuals and families, impacting access to essential care and medication adherence.

Gap Identified

One of the critical gaps contributing to the need to address the economic issue of rising prescription drug costs is the lack of price transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. Patients and healthcare providers often have little insight into the actual cost of medications, as prices are negotiated between manufacturers, insurers, and pharmacy benefit managers. This lack of transparency can lead to high drug prices that may not accurately reflect the actual cost of production or the value to patients (Lopes & Stokes, 2021). Additionally, the lack of competition in certain drug markets allows manufacturers to set high prices, contributing to the overall rise in prescription drug costs. Addressing these gaps is crucial for promoting price transparency, competition, and access to affordable medications.

Conclusion

The rising cost of prescription drugs is a significant healthcare economic issue that affects individuals and communities in the United States. This issue particularly impacts the elderly population, as many rely on multiple medications for chronic conditions but struggle with affordability (Ghosh et al., 2019). The cost of prescription drugs has significant health consequences and economic implications, leading to negative health outcomes and an economic burden on the healthcare system. One of the key gaps contributing to the need to address this issue is the lack of price transparency in the pharmaceutical industry, which can result in high drug prices and limited competition. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach and is crucial for improving overall health and well-being.

References

Ghosh, A., Simon, K., & Sommers, B. D. (2019). The effect of health insurance on prescription drug use among low-income adults: evidence from recent Medicaid expansions. Journal of Health Economics, 63, 64–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhealeco.2018.11.002

Lopes, L., & Stokes, M. (2021, June 15). Public Opinion on Prescription Drugs and Their Prices. KFF. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/poll-finding/public-opinion-on-prescription-drugs-and-their-prices/

U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2019). Prescription drugs: Trends in average sales prices and manufacturer prices for brand-name and generic drugs from 2013 through 2018. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-194