If you talk about a possible poor health outcome, do you believe that outcome will occur? Do you believe eye contact and personal contact should be avoided? You would have a difficult time practicing as a nurse if you believed these to be true. But they are very real beliefs in some cultures. Differences in cultural beliefs, subcultures, religion, ethnic customs, dietary customs, language, and a host of other factors contribute to the complex environment that surrounds global healthcare issues. Failure to understand and account for these differences can create a gulf between practitioners and the public they serve. In this Assignment, you will examine a global health issue and consider the approach to this issue by the United States and by one other country. Focusing on the country you selected and the U.S., complete the Global Health Comparison Matrix. Be sure to address the following: Reflect on the global health policy comparison and analysis you conducted in Part 1 of the Assignment and the impact that global health issues may have on the world, the U.S., your community, as well as your practice as a nurse leader. In a 1-page response, create a plan for social change that incorporates a global perspective or lens into your local practice and role as a nurse leader. Part 1 and Part 2 of your Assignment.

The study of global health issues is crucial for nurse leaders in order to provide effective and culturally sensitive care to diverse populations. Various factors such as cultural beliefs, subcultures, religion, ethnic customs, dietary customs, and language can significantly influence the healthcare practices and outcomes in different parts of the world. In this assignment, we will examine a global health issue and compare the approach of the United States with that of another country. The aim is to gain insights into different healthcare systems and policies and understand their impact on the world, the U.S., local communities, and our role as nurse leaders.

To begin, let’s reflect on the global health policy comparison and analysis conducted in Part 1 of the assignment. In this stage, a systematic review and comparison of global health policies were conducted between the U.S. and the selected country. This comparison may have revealed significant differences in healthcare priorities, approaches, and resources allocated to addressing specific health issues. It is important to understand these differences and their potential impact on health outcomes.

Considering the global health issues identified, it is evident that they have far-reaching implications. Issues such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, non-communicable diseases, and access to healthcare can affect not only the affected regions but also have a global impact. For instance, an outbreak of a communicable disease in one country has the potential to rapidly spread to other parts of the world. Similarly, global health issues can affect the U.S. due to increased international travel and globalization. As nurse leaders, it is vital to recognize the interconnectedness of health and understand the potential consequences of global health issues on our practice and the communities we serve.

Now, let’s move on to creating a plan for social change that incorporates a global perspective into our local practice and role as nurse leaders. This plan should aim to address the identified global health issues and promote positive change in healthcare delivery and outcomes. Here are some key steps for developing such a plan:

1. Raise awareness: As nurse leaders, we can use our influence and expertise to raise awareness about global health issues within our local communities. This can be accomplished through educating healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public about the significance of these issues and their potential impact on local populations.

2. Foster collaboration: Collaborating with global health organizations, local healthcare providers, and community leaders is essential for addressing global health issues. By establishing partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations, we can leverage resources, share knowledge, and implement effective strategies to improve health outcomes.

3. Enhance cultural competence: Understanding and respecting diverse cultures and beliefs is crucial for providing culturally sensitive care. By enhancing our cultural competence, we can better address the specific healthcare needs of diverse populations. This can be achieved through cultural competency training, engaging with local communities, and embracing diversity within our healthcare teams.

4. Advocate for policy changes: Nurse leaders have a vital role to play in advocating for policy changes that support global health initiatives. This can involve actively participating in policy forums, engaging with policymakers, and joining professional organizations that advocate for global health issues.

5. Implement evidence-based practices: Implementing evidence-based practices is essential for delivering high-quality healthcare. By staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in global health, nurse leaders can make informed decisions and promote evidence-based care.

In conclusion, global health issues have a significant impact on healthcare systems and outcomes. As nurse leaders, it is crucial to understand and address these issues through a global perspective. By raising awareness, fostering collaboration, enhancing cultural competence, advocating for policy changes, and implementing evidence-based practices, nurse leaders can play a key role in improving global health outcomes and promoting positive social change.