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.

The impact of global health issues on the world, the United States, communities, and individual practices as nurse leaders cannot be understated. In a constantly evolving and interconnected world, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to consider the cultural, social, and economic factors that contribute to global health disparities. This understanding allows for the development of effective policies and strategies to address these issues and promote positive health outcomes.

One global health issue that warrants attention is the prevalence of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria continue to burden many countries around the world, particularly those in low-resource settings. These diseases contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality rates and pose significant challenges to healthcare systems.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the global health issue, a comparison between the approaches taken by the United States and another country is necessary. By examining different strategies and policies, valuable insights can be gained, which can inform local practices and interventions.

The Global Health Comparison Matrix serves as a useful tool to systematically compare and analyze various aspects of global health policies between two countries. By finalizing the matrix, nurse leaders can identify the similarities, differences, and areas for improvement in approaches to the selected health issue.

Reflecting on the matrix and analysis conducted in Part 1 of the assignment, nurse leaders can gain valuable insights into the global health issue’s impact on various levels. At the global level, the interconnectedness of nations and the ease of global travel contribute to the rapid spread of infectious diseases. This highlights the need for collaboration and cooperation among countries in addressing these challenges.

At the national level, disparities in healthcare systems, access to resources, and socioeconomic factors significantly impact a country’s ability to respond effectively. This can be seen in the comparison between the approaches taken by the United States and the selected country. By understanding these disparities, nurse leaders can advocate for necessary policy changes and resource allocation to ensure equitable access to healthcare.

At the local level, the impact of the global health issue can manifest through increased demand for healthcare services and the need for tailored interventions. Nurse leaders play a critical role in developing and implementing strategies that address the unique needs of their communities.

Incorporating a global perspective or lens into local practice and the role of a nurse leader is essential for promoting social change and improving health outcomes. This can be achieved through various strategies such as:

1. Cultural Competence: Developing cultural competence allows nurse leaders to understand and respect the beliefs, values, and practices of diverse populations. This enables effective communication, builds trust, and promotes patient-centered care.

2. Collaborative Partnerships: Forming partnerships with local and international organizations, healthcare providers, and stakeholders fosters exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices. These collaborations can enhance the capacity of local practices to address global health issues.

3. Advocacy and Policy Development: Nurse leaders have a unique position to advocate for evidence-based policies that address health disparities and promote equitable access to healthcare services. By voicing concerns, proposing solutions, and engaging in policy discussions, nurse leaders can initiate positive social change.

Overall, the impact of global health issues extends far beyond national borders. As nurse leaders, incorporating a global perspective into local practice is vital to address the complex and intertwined factors contributing to global health disparities. By understanding and addressing these issues, nurse leaders can drive social change and improve health outcomes for their communities.