DNP 825 Evaluate the current political climate as it relates to health care and explain how politics influence health for both the individual and entire populations Re: Topic 4 DQ 2

Politics is closely associated with healthcare provision and the quality of individual and population health. The current political climate is favorable to healthcare because political leaders use healthcare manifestos to assure the public of better health and improve their chances of election. Besides, political leaders actively participate in healthcare policy formulation and distribution of resources that affect the day-to-day operations of healthcare systems. Politics determines healthcare resource allocation and other healthcare subsidies that determine the quality and access to healthcare services. Through policy implementation and enforcement, the leaders regulate the conduct of healthcare providers to limit quacks and advocate for better healthcare provision. The policies also address health inequalities and disparities to enhance individual and population health (McCartney et al., 2019). Thus, politics influence health for both individuals and the entire population through policy formulation and allocation of resources.

DNPs have a vital advisory role in policymaking and patient advocacy. One of the impacts a DNP can create through policymaking is actively advising the political leaders on matters of health, to ensure that healthcare policies are relevant and effective for improving healthcare quality and delivery (Williams et al., 2018). Through patient advocacy, they can facilitate programs to improve patients’ awareness of their rights during healthcare provision, to encourage patient-centered care, and hence better healthcare outcomes (Williams et al., 2018). They can also improve public awareness of health and well-being through healthcare education and health promotion to improve the population’s knowledge of the need for frequent health checkups for a better quality of life (Williams et al., 2018). Also, through policy and advocacy, DNPs can minimize healthcare disparities and improve healthcare access by advocating for proper healthcare resource allocation. Thus, DNPs play a vital role in healthcare policymaking and patient advocacy to improve population health awareness and facilitate a better quality of life.

References

Cepni, A. B., Hatem, C., Ledoux, T. A., & Johnston, C. A. (2021). The importance of health values among health care providers. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15(3), 224–226. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827621992271

Haas, B. W., Hoeft, F., & Omura, K. (2021). The role of culture on the link between worldviews on nature and psychological health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personality and Individual Differences, 170, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.110336