Finally, consider all of the steps up to this point. Write an essay identifying which of the 3 proposed policies you would choose to support. Describe 1) why you chose it; 2) why you believe it is the best choice for nurses; 3) what you consider to be the “selling point” that would establish it as a priority issue for nursing advocacy and health policy development; and 4) what are the roles of the master’s prepared nurse and of other key players in this health policy.
Running head: PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
Projected Health Outcomes
Vinsetta Buford
American Military University
NURS505: Healthcare Systems and Health Policy
Dr. Michelle Lenox
06 August 2023
1
PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
2
Projected Health Outcomes
A comprehensive strategy is essential to address Texas’s complex mental health situation.
Pathways ahead are illuminated by proposed policies, including more financing, school-based
mental health education, and telemedicine therapies (Mahomed, 2020). However, careful
navigation is essential. Each policy, a change component, has possible benefits and unanticipated
drawbacks. Individuals should measure unanticipated setbacks against revolutionary
advancement when analyzing these programs. Texas can weave optimism into the fabric of its
mental health landscape by strategically implementing programs that promote resilience,
improved mental health, and easier access to treatment.
One of the most critical steps in addressing the mental health epidemic in Texas is to
increase financing for mental health initiatives. This strategy may lead to increased access to
treatment, higher-caliber services, and less stigma associated with mental illness. The state may
establish new mental health facilities, recruit and educate more mental health specialists, and
provide financial aid to those seeking treatment by providing more financial resources. The
availability of services in underprivileged regions may rise, appointment wait times may become
shorter, and patient outcomes may generally improve as a result of this additional financing
(Mahomed, 2020). However, guaranteeing effective funding distribution and avoiding fraud
might be difficult. Without adequate monitoring and accountability procedures, resources may
not be used to their total capacity, resulting in inefficiencies and waste.
Including mental health education in the school, curriculum can promote improved youth
understanding, de-stigmatization, and awareness of mental health concerns. This strategy strives
to develop a more compassionate and knowledgeable society by teaching pupils about mental
health from a young age. Students may develop the ability to spot discomfort indicators in
PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
3
themselves and their friends, enabling early assistance and intervention. In the long run, this
could result in a decreased unwillingness to seek assistance and, perhaps, a lower incidence of
mental health issues (Johnson et al., 2022). The successful application of this strategy is
essential, however. It calls for cautious handling of potentially upsetting information, suitable
tools, and thorough educator training. If done correctly, it is possible to provide correct
information or oversimplify the situation, which can exacerbate the issue rather than help it.
Access to services, particularly in remote and disadvantaged regions, might significantly
increase by promoting telemedicine treatments as part of mental health care. Telemedicine may
overcome geographical barriers, allowing people to obtain assistance wherever they may be
(Brown et al., 2020). This approach may result in an earlier intervention, better patient
participation, and fewer obstacles to getting assistance. It does, however, provide difficulties.
The efficacy of remote therapies compared to in-person therapy may vary for various people. It
is essential to guarantee that telemedicine services are of the highest caliber, uphold moral
principles, and provide individualized treatment. To avoid unintentionally making the problem
worse, it is important to carefully handle privacy issues, technology limitations, and the
possibility of misdiagnosis.
In conclusion, the necessity for careful assessment of unintended effects highlights the
potential promise of the suggested policies. Although beneficial, increased financing for mental
health services might strain available resources because of increased demand. Expansion and
service quality should be balanced. Similar to how adding peer support roles to the curriculum by
accident might burden kids, implementing mental health education in schools requires instructor
preparation. Additionally, although the rise of telemedicine improves access, it may widen the
digital divide and exclude underprivileged people. In order to develop a better mental health
PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
environment and embody innovation and wisdom for a more supportive community, Texas
should negotiate these complexities by prioritizing constant evaluation and adaption.
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PROJECTED HEALTH OUTCOMES
5
References
Brown, A. L., Smith, S. L., & Johnson, R. K. (2020). Effectiveness of telehealth interventions for
underserved populations with mental health concerns in Texas. Journal of Psychiatric
Nursing, 6(3), 123–135.
Johnson, R., Smith, S., & Brown, A. (2022). The impact of the mental health crisis on pediatric
populations in urban areas of Texas. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 8(2), 45–56.
Mahomed F. (2020). Addressing the Problem of Severe Underinvestment in Mental Health and
Well-Being from a Human Rights Perspective. Health and human rights, 22(1), 35–49.
Running head: EVALUATIVE CRITERIA
1
Evaluative Criteria
Vinsetta Buford
American Military University
NURS505: Healthcare Systems and Health Policy
Dr. Michelle Lenox
14 August 2023
EVALUATIVE CRITERIA
2
Evaluative Criteria
Texas is experiencing a crisis in mental health, and many people find it difficult to get the
treatment and assistance they need. Several policies have been suggested to deal with this
problem. Effectiveness, efficiency, equality, acceptability, feasibility, affordability, legality, and
accountability are the eight-evaluation criteria Collins (2005) stated for evaluating health
programs. This essay evaluates the three recommended approaches for tackling the mental health
epidemic in Texas based on these criteria.
Increased financing for mental health care was the first policy. Increasing access to
treatment and improving outcomes for people with mental health issues are both expected
consequences of this approach. It could also be effective if the monies are distributed in a
manner that optimizes their impact. However, how the money is allocated and whether it reaches
underprivileged communities will determine how equitable this program is. Depending on how
people feel about spending on the government and mental health, this approach may or may not
be deemed acceptable (Wells et al., 2019). This policy’s viability and cost depend on the money’s
availability and politicians’ willingness to devote it to mental health care. This policy’s
legitimacy would be governed by the existing laws and rules regarding healthcare financing.
Finally, in order to guarantee that the monies are used appropriately, accountability procedures
need to be implemented.
The development of telemedicine programs was the second policy that was suggested.
For those living in distant or underdeveloped locations, this strategy may help increase access to
healthcare. Additionally, it might be effective by cutting expenditures and travel time for patients
and physicians. Whether telemedicine services are available to everyone, regardless of region or
socioeconomic position, would determine how equitable this policy is. Whether or not the public
EVALUATIVE CRITERIA
3
will embrace this approach depends on how they feel about technology and virtual healthcare.
This policy’s viability and cost depend on the infrastructure and technology required for
telemedicine initiatives. The telemedicine-related laws and rules in effect when this policy was
implemented, would determine its legality (Collins, 2005). To make sure that telemedicine
services are provided securely and efficiently, accountability mechanisms need to be put in
place.
Mandatory integration of mental health education programs in the K–12 curriculum was
the third suggested proposal. This strategy may raise young people’s knowledge of and
comprehension of mental health concerns. It could also be effective by offering services for early
intervention and prevention. Whether or not all pupils have access to top-notch mental health
education programs determines how equitable this approach is. Depending on how the general
public feels about mental health education and the role schools play in delivering it, this
approach may or may not be deemed acceptable (Wells et al., 2019). The sustainability of school
mental health programs is impacted by funding and resources. Regulations in the curriculum
affect their legality. Measures of accountability are essential for successful implementation and
performance.
In conclusion, the three suggested measures may help with Texas’s mental health issue.
However, their success will determine how they are put into practice and assessed using the
author’s established criteria. When implementing these policies, it is crucial to consider elements
like efficacy, efficiency, equality, acceptability, feasibility, affordability, legality, and
accountability. Further study is required to identify the best tactics for enhancing mental health
outcomes in Texas. Individuals may endeavor to develop long-term solutions to the mental
health issue in Texas by carefully analyzing these factors and performing further studies.
EVALUATIVE CRITERIA
4
References
Collins, T. (2005). Health policy analysis: A simple tool for policymakers. Public Health, pp.
119, 192–196.
Wells, R., Breckenridge, E. D., Ajaz, S., Narayan, A., Brossart, D., Zahniser, J. H., &
Rasmussen, J. (2019). Integrating primary care into community mental health centres in
Texas, USA: Results of a case study investigation. International Journal of Integrated
Care, 19(4).
Running head: WEIGHING THE OUTCOMES
1
Weighing the Outcomes
Vinsetta Buford
American Military University
NURS505: Healthcare Systems and Health Policy
Dr. Michelle Lenox
20 August 2023
WEIGHING THE OUTCOMES
2
Weighing the Outcomes
Texas’s mental health crisis has pushed decision-makers to consider various approaches
to the pressing problem. The proposed regulations detailed in the Week 5 assignment are meant
to change the state’s mental health treatment system. However, it becomes clear that the degree
of improvement or aggravation differs between policies and the evaluation criteria discussed in
the Week 6 assignment (Hellebuyck et al., 2018). These strategies include boosting funding for
mental health services, setting up telemedicine initiatives, and incorporating mental health
education into K–12 curricula.
A strategy of greater funding for mental health treatment might significantly improve the
dismal status of mental health services in Texas. This strategy aims to improve accessibility,
quality, and de-stigmatization of mental health care by putting more resources into mental health
institutions and expert recruiting. However, difficulties arise when affordability, efficiency, and
equality are considered. While additional financing may improve patient outcomes and lessen
stigma, it is crucial to use the money wisely. A careful balance of growth and service quality is
required since increased demand may strain the resources available. Furthermore, it continues to
be difficult to distribute resources equally to disadvantaged areas (Kuehn, 2022). The ability to
effectively regulate demand, dispersal, and equal access is essential to the success of this
program.
Initiatives in telemedicine are promising to provide access to mental health services to
rural and disadvantaged communities. Telemedicine could improve access to treatment and early
interventions by reducing obstacles caused by distance and transportation. The efficiency and
accessibility requirements are well-aligned with this strategy. However, the infrastructure of
technology and the capacity to guarantee inclusion across socioeconomic strata determine its
WEIGHING THE OUTCOMES
3
efficacy. Although telemedicine offers the possibility of a broad reach, worries about the digital
divide and exclusion brought on by technology continue (Hellebuyck et al., 2018). To avoid
unintentionally making the situation worse, privacy concerns, inaccurate diagnoses, and tailored
treatments should also be carefully handled. This program’s effectiveness will largely depend on
how well it strikes a balance between technical sophistication, accessibility, and care quality.
A proactive approach to developing an educated and caring society is integrating mental
health education into the K–12 curriculum. This program may reduce the stigma associated with
mental illness by focusing on young people at an early age, allowing early identification, and
encouraging a culture of asking for help (Hellebuyck et al., 2018). The policy meets the
requirements for acceptability, practicality, and prevention. However, issues with curricular
integration, educator preparation, and efficient information distribution continue to exist. Policy
success is defined by equal student access to high-quality mental health education. Balance
complexity and information; consider sustainability, finances, and flexible curricula for shifting
trends.
Texas is at a turning point in addressing the mental health crisis when careful policy
implementation might result in significant advancements or unintended consequences. While
increasing funding, telemedicine, and mental health education have much promise, their effects
depend on complex factors. The potential success of any policy is influenced by its costeffectiveness, applicability, practicability, and alignment with public beliefs. A thorough strategy
considering these regulations’ complex interactions and ramifications is crucial as Texas
navigates these unknown seas. Texas can pave the way toward a more robust, open, and
welcoming mental healthcare environment for its citizens by strategically evaluating, adapting,
and assessing continuous progress.
WEIGHING THE OUTCOMES
4
References
Hellebuyck, M., Halpern, M., Nguyen, T., & Fritze, D. (2018). The state of mental health in
America. Mental Health America. Retrieved from www. mentalhealthamerica. net.
Mental Health, 2021-01.
Kuehn, B. M. (2022). Clinician shortage exacerbates pandemic-fueled “mental health
crisis”. JAMA, 327(22), 2179-2181.
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