NUR4837 - Healthcare Issues, Policy and Economics
Linda Lopp
Demography deals with specific facts regarding the characteristics of human populations, (i.e. size, growth, density, age and sex distribution) quantified and expressed statistically. Ethnic, economic, and social characteristics of a population are ways to objectively describe the makeup of a community. Demographic data also describe population change (i.e. marriage, migration, birth, and death). The examination and comparison of trends in data help to forecast the population in the future, as in the case of life expectancy. Without demographic data, it would be difficult to adequately assess for at-risk groups nor tailor health care programs to meet the specific needs of the community. For example, tracking age of initiation of smoking, or initiation of sexual activity helps to determine the appropriate aggregate for which primary prevention programs should target.
Please respond to one of the following discussion options. There are a number of questions below from which to choose. Please do not duplicate material discussed in your classmates' posts.
Current Programs
Identify a group in need of health promotion. Describe current programs in place to meet the needs of this group.
Immigrant Population
What impact has an increased immigrant population had upon the health care system?
Effects of Technology
Discuss how technology affects fertility and/or mortality and the implications for healthcare.
Domestic Partner Benefits
Discuss the merits and ramifications associated with federally sanctioned domestic partner benefits.
Aging Population
How has the projected aging of America influenced the projections of the nursing shortage?
Barriers to Primary Prevention
Describe several social, political, and financial barriers in our current health care system that impede primary prevention? How could these impediments possibly be overcome?
Emerging Opportunities
Identify a current demographic/social trend. Given this trend, what practice settings and nursing role opportunities are emerging?