Comparing Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Policies and Strategies Essay
The articles provide light on the methods used to successfully curb the spread of COVID-19. Having everyone wear masks seems to have the most positive results. The research by Kaufman et al. (2020) emphasizes the significance of mask requirements. There were considerably fewer COVID-19 infections and fatalities in states that required the use of masks before reopening indoor eating establishments. This provides more evidence that the use of masks is essential for reducing community-wide spread.
The corona virus might be contained with the use of early and vigorous interventions. Articles imply that better results in terms of reduced infection rates and fewer fatalities occurred in nations or areas that embraced early as well as aggressive control techniques such as rigorous lockdowns, social distancing regulations, and quick testing. For instance, when compared to nations like France, Italy, and Spain, Germany and Austria’s per capita mortality rates are far lower since they implemented strong control tactics early on (Gibney, 2020). Furthermore, data was used to guide decisions. Database creation and immediate intervention monitoring, both of which are addressed in the publications, were helpful in elucidating the efficacy of control measures. Policymakers were able to adjust their approaches in light of new information thanks to data-driven decision-making. Comparing Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Policies and Strategies Essay
The Implications for Health Policies and Vulnerable Groups
For marginalized groups, health policy should provide equal access to diagnostic tools and treatment options. Members of underrepresented groups, those with limited financial resources, and those with established medical issues all fall into this category. Policymakers also need to ensure that marginalized populations get accurate information about health policies and access to preventative healthcare information (Bambra et al., 2020). It is important to think about language and culture. Those who are very helpless should get assistance. For disadvantaged communities who may experience financial difficulty due to restrictions or quarantine measures, regulations ought to incorporate arrangements for financial help, food security, and shelter.
The Local Disparities
It is important to account for potential regional differences in policy implementation and health outcomes when assessing a policy’s efficacy. There existed a spectrum of policy enforcement in Florida. Florida’s strategy of reopening was applied in stages, with certain counties being more permissive than others. There may be a disparity in health outcomes across counties because of variations in policy enforcement. It is of paramount importance that vaccinations be distributed fairly. It is crucial to address vaccination reluctance among some groups and to ensure that vaccines reach those who need them the most. Comparing Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Policies and Strategies Essay
Extrapolations to Other Health Policies
Evidence-based choice-making in health policy is crucial, as was discovered through the COVID-19 experience. This method may be used for a wide range of public health initiatives, such as immunization drives. Knowledge gained from the speedy production and distribution of vaccinations against COVID-19 may be used in the development and rollout of vaccines against other illnesses (Blumenthal et al., 2020). Growth in telehealth services is another trend. During the pandemic, a rise in the use of telehealth was seen. This knowledge may be used by policymakers to better assist rural and underserved populations by increasing access to telehealth services. Comparing Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Policies and Strategies Essay
References
Bambra, C., Riordan, R., Ford, J., & Matthews, F. (2020). The COVID-19 pandemic and health inequalities. J Epidemiol Community Health, 74(11), 964-968. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2020-214401
Blumenthal, D., Fowler, E. J., Abrams, M., & Collins, S. R. (2020). Covid-19—implications for the health care system. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(15), 1483-1488. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMsb2021088
Gibney, E. (2020). Whose coronavirus strategy worked best? Scientists hunt most effective policies. Nature, 581(7806), 15-17. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01003-6
Kaufman, B. G., Whitaker, R., Mahendraratnam, N., Smith, V. A., & McClellan, M. B. (2020). Comparing associations of state reopening strategies with COVID-19 burden. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35, 3627-3634. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06277-0
For over a year, the coronavirus has crawled across the globe. One person at a time, it has passed through millions, reaching every corner of the earth. And it has not only infected people but every aspect of our lives. Policymakers and the public sector face their biggest test in generations—some say ever—as lives and livelihoods hang in a terrible, delicate balance. We try to take stock of what the pandemic has done and will do when facing health crises, economic collapse, and social and political disruption.
To address these challenges, it is important to analyze how specific policy strategies affect the health care of individuals and health outcomes. In the past year, various policies and strategies have been implemented to address a response to COVID-19. Comparing Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Policies and Strategies Essay
Read the two articles below:
Kaufman2020_Article_Comparing Associations of State Reopening.pdf Download Kaufman2020_Article_Comparing Associations of State Reopening.pdf
Whose Corona virus strategy worked best-1.pdf Download Whose Corona virus strategy worked best-1.pdf
Answer the following questions. Address all questions in your response:
Explain the strategies that worked best to control the spread of Covid-19. Support your explanation with evidence provided in the articles.
What are the implications for the choice of health policies and policy strategies for their successful implementation with vulnerable groups?
From your knowledge of local policies and policy strategies (the state of Florida or local level), are there any disparities between the health outcomes data, and the policies being implemented? Make sure that the scope of response differentiates the policies and politics on the issue. Be respectful and welcoming of the opinions of others Do not bring political party positions to this discussion space since we will focus on evidence-based strategies. Comparing Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Policies and Strategies Essay
What can you extrapolate from this experience to other health policies that interest you? Provide at least one example that can benefit from the lessons learned from our collective experience in the past year,
Guidelines
Your initial response should be 250 words in length, reflecting on the prompt above. Your Initial post should be submitted on Wednesday at 11:59pm ET time. In your initial discussion post, provide a substantive response that illustrates a thoughtful response. Comparing Health Outcomes of COVID-19 Policies and Strategies Essay