1. Discussion 1: Evidence Base in Design
When politics and medical science intersect, there can be much debate. Sometimes
anecdotes or hearsay are misused as evidence to support a particular point. Despite these
and other challenges, however, evidence-based approaches are increasingly used to inform
health policy decision-making regarding causes of disease, intervention strategies, and
issues impacting society. One example is the introduction of childhood vaccinations and the
use of evidence-based arguments surrounding their safety.In this Discussion, you will
identify a recently proposed health policy and share your analysis of the evidence in
support of this policy.To Prepare:Review the Congress website provided in the Resources
and identify one recent (within the past 5 years) proposed health policy.Review the health
policy you identified and reflect on the background and development of this health
policy.By Day 3 of Week 7Post a description of the health policy you selected and a brief
background for the problem or issue being addressed. Explain whether you believe there is
an evidence base to support the proposed policy and explain why. Be specific and provide
examples.This also comes with two posts that will each need a reply and at least two
references all in APA 7 format. the rubric is attached below please meet the
standards. Discussion 1 TYHealth Policy: COVID Research Act of 2020MAIN QUESTION
POST- Health policy is essential in nursing. According to Liao (2019), “policies reflect public
opinion as well as evidence-based data” (p.90). The health policy I want to discuss is the
COVID Research Act of 2020 or also known as the Computing Opportunities to Vanquish
Infectious Diseases Research Act of 2020 (“H.R.6599 – 116th Congress (2019-2020): COVID
research Act of 2020,” 2020). This policy is to help address the issue of infectious diseases
and how to prepare for them. COVID-19 has taken a toll on the health and economy
throughout the world. This policy would create a group to be responsible for dealing with
pandemics. A group to prepare for pandemic outbreaks and to help create strategies to
address challenges during a health crisis is essential (“H.R.6599 – 116th Congress (2019-
2020): COVID research Act of 2020,” 2020). Using evidence-based research will allow this
policy to help prepare for upcoming pandemics.I believe there is no better time in society to
address this policy than now. The research done by healthcare professionals can help
policymakers understand essential information (Hebda, 2019). APRNs and research groups
can work together to help address and improve health policies. With COVID-19 being a
significant concern, this supports why this policy needs addressed. Evidence-based research
is required to help create a plan of action for the current and emerging pandemics. By
creating a group dedicated to this policy will help the overall health of the population. For
2. example, there is a need for a vaccine for COVID-19. With this policy in place, they could
have predicted COVID-19 and been preparing a vaccine. Research on the spread and
severity could have begun before the COVID-19 pandemic and helped decrease worldwide
exposure rates. There is strong evidence to support the COVID Research Act of 2020 based
on the worldwide pandemic status. Throughout history, pandemics have taken a toll on the
health of the country. For example, the Influenza pandemic has led to annual flu shots
starting in October (the peak season). The COVID Research Act of 2020 health policy would
benefit healthcare now and in the future.ReferencesHebda. T.. (2019). The impact of EHRs,
big data, and evidence-informed practice. In J. A. Milstead, & N. M. Short (Eds.), Health
policy and politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed., pp 133-150). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett
LearningH.R.6599 – 116th Congress (2019-2020): COVID research Act of 2020. (2020, April
23). Congress.gov | Library of Congress. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-
congress/house-
bill/6599?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22health+policy%22%5D%7D&s=3&r=86 Lia
o, C. (2019). Public policy design. In J. A. Milstead, & N. M. Short (Eds.), Health policy and
politics: A nurse’s guide (6th ed., pp 87-99). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett
LearningDiscussion 2 MLWeek 7 Discussion Post I found and reviewed the Sexual
Assault Victims Protection Act of 2019 on the congress.gov. The summary includes,“This bill
requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a series of
activities relating to sexual assault evidence and treatment. Among other things, HHS must
establish a task force to improve forensic evidence collection related to sexual assault,
maintain a website with resources and best practices related to the treatment of individuals
for sexual assault, and host an annual meeting to address gaps in health care relating to
sexual assault. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services must require
Medicare-participating hospitals, in their community call plans relating to on-call coverage,
to specifically delineate coverage responsibilities with respect to screening and treatment
related to sexual assault.”( Congress,2020).As a nurse in the emergency room I find that this
proposed health policy would be beneficial in the way healthcare teams are required to
treat possible sexually assault victims. I know that my hospital in the past did not have any
specially trained individuals to conduct the assessment and collection of forensics in these
cases. With this being the case, nurses were not comfortable at doing this and things could
get missed or mishandle with patient. Policy and procedures have changed for much
improvement in this practice that now we have SANE nurses who conduct all assessments
and collection of forensics. “Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses
who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic
care of the patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse. “(International Association
of Forensic Nurses,2014-2020). I believe that there is evidence based on the need for the
policy and changes in the health care practice from personal experience. For example, I had
a pediatric patient in ER that mother brought in with possible sexual abuse. I do not feel
properly trained to conduct this investigation on this child and would not want to say or do
the wrong thing during such a sensitive time. At that point I call the SANE nurse on call that
comes in and does everything needed for that patient. Even the provider does not go see the
patient before the SANE nurse arrives and collection all information and data. Having
3. policies in place for facilities to provide access to specialty trained nurse will provide better
patient care and less traumatic care.ReferencesCongress.gov. (2020). H.R.4758 – Sexual
Assault Victims Protection Act of 2019. Retrieved on October 11, 2020
from https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/4758/all-
info?r=5&s=7International Association of Forensic Nurses. (2014-2020). Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiners. Retrieved on October 11, 2020 from
https://www.forensicnurses.org/page/aboutSANE
