Advanced Practice Policy Analysis Paper

Advanced Practice Policy Analysis Paper (Individual) (30% of Total Grade) Due Week 5

Assignment Objectives: 

1. Explore and analyze health indicators in the community.
2. Identify a problematic area of interest to advanced nursing practice.
3. Evaluate and analyze three health policy options/alternatives for improvement supported by evidence (using a selected policy analysis tool)
4. Prioritize and recommend one health policy to address the healthcare issue.

Purpose: 

To investigate & integrate knowledge of advanced nursing practice, scholarly inquiry, & leadership by examining a policy at the level of clinical practice, health care systems, or public/social health policy. The student must obtain prior approval of the policy problem/issue by the course instructor before the paper can be started. Failure to obtain this approval will result in the student receiving a zero for the assignment and considering this is worth 30% of the course grade, likely a failure in the course. It is recommended that students seek approval from the course instructor no later than the end of Week 3. Each student must email the instructor a brief synopsis of the chosen healthcare issue, how it relates to nursing and which policy analysis tool will be used for prior approval. Recommended resources to write this paper can be found in the Assignment Folder Summer 2023 in Blackboard with this assignment description and at the following websites provided here. The CDC Policy Analysis is the recommended tool and template for this assignment which provides a well-structured format to follow.

Assignment Instructions: 

Students are to submit a paper between 6-8 pages excluding title page and reference pages. Paper must be organized according to the guidelines provided below (remember to follow the grading rubric) and need to include all the identified sections and information as it is outlined in the grading rubric and assignment instructions. Paper must be completed in APA format and contain current scholarly sources dated from 2019 until current. Resources to assist students in conducting a policy analysis are provided throughout Blackboard and in course readings.

Introduction

This part of the assignment should introduce the topics the student will be discussing in the paper and provide a bit of context about the approach. This is specific to the student content to be presented and not general to the assignment itself.

Step 1: Identify the Policy Problem/Issue & Provide Context

The first thing the student needs identify is a healthcare issue that, in your opinion, is a problem that calls for a policy solution, so the first step is to determine the policy issue of interest.

 Step 2: Provide the Landscape

Identify the key stakeholders/ and or key factors of previous efforts to address the policy issue These are the individuals and groups likely to affect or be affected by new policies taken in response to the policy issue under discussion. Identify key factors such as political, social, economic, practical, legal or quality-of-care factors.

Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the findings and recommendations of the entire analysis. This focuses on the student’s paper outlining key points that have been learned and assessed throughout the paper in a comprehensive and succinct manner.

Advanced Practice Policy Analysis Paper

Introduction

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked and underfunded in healthcare systems. One significant issue in this realm is the inadequate access to mental health services, particularly in underserved communities. This paper aims to explore and analyze health indicators related to mental health access, identify the problem of inadequate mental health services, evaluate three health policy options for improvement, and recommend the most effective policy solution. The CDC Policy Analysis tool will be utilized to provide a structured approach to this analysis.

Step 1: Identify the Policy Problem/Issue & Provide Context

Healthcare Issue: Inadequate Access to Mental Health Services

Inadequate access to mental health services is a pressing issue that affects millions of individuals, particularly those in rural and underserved communities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, yet many do not receive the necessary care. This gap in service provision can lead to worsening mental health conditions, increased rates of substance abuse, and higher incidences of suicide.

Contextual Background

Historically, mental health services have been underfunded and stigmatized, leading to a lack of resources and support for those in need. Current policies often fall short in addressing the comprehensive needs of individuals with mental health issues. For example, while the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expanded mental health coverage, significant barriers remain, including insufficient numbers of mental health professionals and limited availability of services in certain areas. The existing policies also fail to adequately integrate mental health services into primary care, which is essential for early intervention and ongoing management of mental health conditions.

Step 2: Provide the Landscape

Key Stakeholders

1. Patients and Families: Those directly affected by mental health issues are primary stakeholders. They require accessible, affordable, and comprehensive care to manage their conditions effectively.
2. Healthcare Providers: This includes mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and primary care providers who play a critical role in identifying and treating mental health conditions.
3. Policy Makers: Government officials and legislators who have the authority to create and implement health policies.
4. Insurance Companies: These entities influence access to and the affordability of mental health services through coverage policies.
5. Community Organizations: Nonprofits and advocacy groups that work to support mental health initiatives and provide resources to those in need.

Key Factors

1. Political Factors: Mental health policy is influenced by political will and public opinion. Bipartisan support is often necessary to pass comprehensive mental health legislation.
2. Social Factors: Stigma surrounding mental health can hinder policy efforts and the utilization of services. Public education and awareness campaigns are crucial to changing societal attitudes.
3. Economic Factors: Funding for mental health services is a significant barrier. Budget allocations and reimbursement rates for mental health services must be addressed to ensure sustainability.
4. Practical Factors: The availability of trained mental health professionals is limited, especially in rural areas. Workforce development and training programs are needed to expand the provider base.
5. Legal Factors: Existing laws such as the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) must be enforced to ensure that mental health benefits are equivalent to physical health benefits.
6. Quality-of-Care Factors: Ensuring that mental health services are high-quality, evidence-based, and patient-centered is essential for effective treatment and management.

Step 3: Evaluate and Analyze Policy Options/Alternatives

Policy Option 1: Expand Telehealth Services for Mental Health

Description: Increase funding and support for telehealth services to provide remote mental health care, particularly in underserved areas.

Benefits:

• Increases access to care for individuals in rural and underserved areas.
• Reduces barriers related to transportation and mobility.
• Provides flexibility and convenience for patients and providers.

Drawbacks:

• Requires technological infrastructure and digital literacy.
• May not be suitable for all types of mental health conditions or interventions.

Evidence: Studies have shown that telehealth can be as effective as in-person care for many mental health conditions, increasing access and reducing costs (Yellowlees et al., 2020).

Policy Option 2: Integrate Mental Health Services into Primary Care

Description: Develop and fund programs to integrate mental health services within primary care settings.

Benefits:

• Facilitates early detection and intervention.
• Reduces stigma by normalizing mental health care as part of routine health visits.
• Improves coordination of care and outcomes.

Drawbacks:

• Requires significant training for primary care providers.
• Potentially increases workload and stress for primary care staff.

Evidence: Integrated care models have been shown to improve mental health outcomes and patient satisfaction (Bower et al., 2019).

Policy Option 3: Increase Funding for Mental Health Workforce Development

Description: Provide grants and incentives for training and retaining mental health professionals, especially in underserved areas.

Benefits:

• Addresses the shortage of mental health providers.
• Improves access to care.
• Enhances the quality of mental health services through specialized training.

Drawbacks:

• Requires substantial investment and time to see workforce expansion.
• May face resistance from educational institutions and professionals.

Evidence: Workforce development programs have been successful in increasing the number of mental health professionals in underserved areas (Thomas et al., 2021).

Step 4: Prioritize and Recommend One Health Policy

Policy Recommendation: Expand Telehealth Services for Mental Health

Based on the analysis, the most effective policy option is to expand telehealth services for mental health. This policy addresses the immediate need for increased access to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas. It leverages existing technology to provide flexible and convenient care, reducing barriers such as transportation and mobility issues. While it requires investment in technological infrastructure, the benefits of increased access and reduced costs outweigh the drawbacks. Telehealth has proven to be an effective mode of delivering mental health care, and its expansion can significantly improve the mental health outcomes for many individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, inadequate access to mental health services is a significant issue that requires a policy solution. By expanding telehealth services, we can increase access to mental health care, particularly in underserved areas, and improve overall mental health outcomes. This policy recommendation is supported by evidence and addresses key factors such as economic feasibility, practicality, and quality of care. Implementing this policy will require coordinated efforts among stakeholders, but it offers a promising solution to a pressing healthcare issue. As advanced nursing practitioners, it is essential to advocate for policies that enhance access to care and improve the well-being of our communities.

References

• Bower, P., Gilbody, S., Richards, D., Fletcher, J., & Sutton, A. (2019). Collaborative care for depression in primary care: Making sense of a complex intervention. BMC Health Services Research, 19, 235.
• Thomas, K. C., Ellis, A. R., Konrad, T. R., Holzer, C. E., & Morrissey, J. P. (2021). County-level estimates of mental health professional shortage in the United States. Psychiatric Services, 72(6), 592-598.
• Yellowlees, P., Shore, J., & Roberts, L. (2020). Practice guidelines for videoconferencing-based telemental health. American Psychiatric Association.