NR 717 Week 4 Evaluation Processes in Population Health

NR 717 Week 4 Evaluation Processes in Population Health

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-717: Concepts in Population Health Outcomes & Health Policy

Prof. Name

Date

Evaluation Processes in Population Health Discussion

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to critically analyze strategies that can be implemented to address a population health practice problem with the aim of minimizing health disparities. This involves aligning interventions with national health objectives, applying evidence-based approaches, and utilizing systematic evaluation frameworks to measure success and sustainability. Through these efforts, healthcare professionals can ensure that interventions not only resolve immediate health challenges but also lead to lasting improvements in population health outcomes.

1. What is the selected practice problem?

The selected practice problem focuses on diabetes management among low-income populations. Diabetes continues to be a prevalent chronic illness, disproportionately affecting economically disadvantaged communities. Individuals in these populations face multiple socioeconomic barriers, including limited access to affordable, nutritious foods, insufficient preventive healthcare services, and difficulties in maintaining consistent medication adherence. These challenges contribute to poor disease control and an increased risk of complications.

Addressing diabetes management within low-income groups is therefore critical to reducing health inequities and fostering sustainable well-being. By improving access to care, promoting self-management education, and removing socioeconomic barriers, the overall burden of diabetes can be significantly minimized.

2. What Healthy People 2030 Goal applies to the selected population and issue?

The Healthy People 2030 goal most relevant to this issue is:

“Reduce the burden of diabetes and improve quality of life for all people who have, or are at risk for, diabetes.”

This objective emphasizes the importance of prevention, early detection, and intervention strategies that enhance treatment adherence and promote equitable access to healthcare. Aligning population health strategies with this national goal supports a broader effort to decrease diabetes-related complications and strengthen community health resilience.

Link: Healthy People 2030

3. What is one evidence-based intervention to address this goal?

One effective evidence-based intervention is the implementation of community-based Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) programs. These programs aim to empower individuals with diabetes by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their condition. Research indicates that DSME improves blood glucose monitoring, encourages healthy lifestyle choices, and increases adherence to prescribed treatments (Chrvala et al., 2016).

Furthermore, DSME programs that are culturally adapted and led by trained community health workers have shown greater effectiveness in promoting engagement. By considering language, dietary habits, and socioeconomic factors, culturally tailored DSME programs ensure inclusivity and responsiveness to the specific needs of diverse populations. This approach helps reduce disparities in diabetes management and outcomes.

4. How would you determine if your evidence-based intervention was efficient, effective, and efficacious?

The Three E’s Framework—Efficiency, Effectiveness, and Efficacy—serves as a systematic model to evaluate the DSME intervention. This framework ensures that both practical implementation and scientific validity are considered in assessing outcomes.

Through this framework, healthcare professionals can evaluate whether DSME programs are sustainable, adaptable, and capable of improving diabetes management outcomes in low-income populations.

Program Competencies

This discussion aligns with the following program competencies:

• Competency 5: Evaluate healthcare policies to promote equitable care and advocate for social justice, particularly for vulnerable populations affected by social determinants of health. (POs 2, 9)

• Competency 7: Integrate research evidence and population-level data to enhance preventive strategies and improve overall health outcomes. (PO 1)

• Competency 8: Demonstrate leadership in professional identity, critical reasoning, systems-based practice, and accountability when selecting, implementing, and evaluating interventions. (PO 1)

Course Outcomes

This discussion supports the following course outcomes:

• Outcome 2: Apply ethical and legal principles to ensure equitable, ethical, and value-based healthcare policies across multiple system levels (micro, meso, and macro). (PC 5; PO 9)

• Outcome 5: Develop culturally responsive, high-quality care strategies for high-risk and underserved populations to reduce social inequities. (PCs 7, 8; PO 1)

References

Chrvala, C. A., Sherr, D., & Lipman, R. D. (2016). Diabetes self-management education for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of the effect on glycemic control. Patient Education and Counseling, 99(6), 926–943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.11.003

NR 717 Week 4 Evaluation Processes in Population Health

Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Healthy People 2030. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople