NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 2 Biopsychosocial Population Health Policy Proposal

Implementing the Comprehensive Sickle Cell Disease Management Program (CSDMP) might face several difficulties such as logistic and funding constraints, differences in professional viewpoints within interprofessional teams, and public misconceptions about SCD. To manage funding and logistic issues, strategic planning, sufficient funding allocation, and legal mandates at governmental levels are crucial, along with public awareness initiatives. Moreover, differences within interprofessional teams can be managed by fostering open communication and  conflict resolution strategies.

Public misconceptions about SCD, affecting genetic counseling, can be dispelled through comprehensive public education initiatives, ensuring an improved understanding of SCD. Furthermore, increasing the number of trained genetic counselors will provide effective genetic education. These strategies aim to mitigate potential obstacles in implementing the CSDMP, striving for improved outcomes and care quality for SCD in the African American community (Falasinnu et al., 2023). 

Advocating the Proposed Policy Considering Current Sickle Cell Disease 

The need for this proposed policy is underlined by the current inadequate outcomes and poor quality of care for SCD in the African American community, primarily attributable to late diagnosis, inadequate ongoing care, and lack of education and counseling services. Early diagnosis is a critical determinant of health outcomes in SCD, as immediate initiation of treatment and preventive interventions can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality associated with the disease (Hankins et al., 2020). 

However, in the absence of universal newborn screening, many SCD cases may go undetected until they present with severe complications. This situation underscores the urgent need for implementing a policy mandating universal newborn screening for SCD, with the goal of ensuring that every newborn, particularly those of African American descent, receives timely diagnosis and early interventions. This approach is supported by numerous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of newborn screening in improving health outcomes in SCD (Archer et al., 2022).

NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 2 Biopsychosocial Population Health Policy Proposal

The provision of holistic, patient-centered care is a key element of high-quality healthcare, and yet, it is often lacking in the current management of SCD. Interprofessional teams, by bringing together healthcare providers from various disciplines, can ensure comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical but also the emotional and psychosocial aspects of SCD. Therefore, the proposed policy emphasizes the need for the establishment of interprofessional teams at each healthcare facility, a measure that aligns with the contemporary trend in healthcare towards interprofessional collaboration (Ochiltree, 2022).

Effective management of SCD requires continuous care and regular monitoring, aimed at reducing complications and enhancing quality of life. However, gaps in care coordination and lack of resources often result in fragmented care and suboptimal health outcomes for SCD patients. The proposed policy, by advocating for continuous care and monitoring by interprofessional teams, seeks to address this issue, potentially leading to improved disease management and increased life expectancy (Badawy et al., 2021).

NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 2 Biopsychosocial Population Health Policy Proposal

Lack of accurate knowledge and awareness about SCD often hampers self-management, treatment adherence, and health-seeking behaviors among patients and their families, contributing to poor health outcomes (Zaidman et al., 2022). By advocating for the provision of genetic counseling and education services, the proposed policy aims to empower patients and their families with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage SCD. This measure aligns with the principles of patient-centered care and shared decision-making, recognized as key drivers of high-quality healthcare (National Academies of Sciences et al., 2020).