NRS-420 Topic 1 DQ 1
The United States has ranked below other developed countries in maternal morbidity and mortality for several years and has not met the associated Healthy People 2030 goal. Maternal health is a critical factor for the live birth of a healthy infant. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) along with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are factors that influence maternal morbidity and mortality.
Choose two factors from SDOH or DEI that have influenced maternal morbidity and mortality in the United States. What are some best practices in health promotion that could improve maternal health outcomes? Provide a community resource or program in your area that is focused on improving maternal and infant health. Describe their services and provide a link or contact information for your resource.
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “RN-BSN DQ Rubric” and “RN-BSN Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns to AACN Core Competency 3.3.
Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 1 DQ 1
The World Population Review, (n.d.) tells us in 2020 “the United States (US) is currently, ranked 41st in maternal mortality rates. It’s estimated that 1 out of every 4,800 women die from complications related to pregnancy
In the US, it’s estimated that the maternal mortality rate is 23.8 deaths per 100,000 live births. The US is fourth on the list mainly because of inequities in healthcare. A rise in chronic health conditions is also leading to a high maternal mortality rate in the United States.
Across the pond in the Slovak Republic, Denmark, and the Netherlands all report less than two deaths per 100,000 live births.
Other countries, such as Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Lithuania, have a 0 maternal mortality rate.”
Class, what is the differences between these countries that decrease the maternal morbidity/mortality to this extent?
Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 1 DQ 1
Hello Professor Maureen,
I wanted to share the insights I gained from my research. Preventable maternal mortality deaths have been on the rise in the United States, ranking us fourth among high-income countries. Discrepancies in maternal care workforces, postpartum care access, and paid maternity leave policies may contribute to this concerning trend (Tikkanen et al., 2020). In 2018, there were 17 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in the US, while countries like the Netherlands, Norway, and New Zealand reported ratios of 3 per 100,000 or fewer (Tikkanen et al., 2020).
One significant difference lies in the availability of care during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. The US has a shortage of midwives and OBGYNs compared to other developed countries. Additionally, postpartum care varies in the US but is guaranteed in other nations, with home visits by midwives or nurses proving beneficial for mental health, breastfeeding outcomes, and overall healthcare costs. Countries like the Netherlands ensure at least one postpartum visit within the first week (Tikkanen et al., 2020).
Furthermore, the absence of mandated paid maternity leave in the US sets us apart from other high-income nations. Maternity leave is crucial for women to cope with the physical and emotional demands of motherhood while maintaining financial stability for their families. Many countries provide up to a year of paid leave postpartum to aid women in their recovery after childbirth (Tikkanen et al., 2020).
In conclusion, addressing these disparities in maternal care workforces, postpartum care access, and paid maternity leave policies is essential to lowering maternal mortality rates in the United States. By implementing measures that have proven successful in other countries, we can strive towards a safer and healthier environment for expectant mothers and their babies.
Tikkanen, R., Gunja, M., Fitzgerald, M., & Zephyrin, L. (2020, November 18). Maternal Mortality and Maternity Care in the United States Compared to 10 Other Developed Countries. The Commonwealth Fund; The Commonwealth Fund. https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/issue-briefs/2020/nov/maternal-mortality-maternity-care-us-compared-10-countries
Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 1 DQ 1
Hi Prof. Maureen,
Despite the health insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the US, there are still individuals who are uninsured or under insured. Various solutions can be explored to address the healthcare needs of these individuals. For example, in Utah, options such as CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), Medicaid, Medicare, UPP (Utah’s Premium Partnership for Health Insurance), and PCN (Primary Care Network) can help improve access to affordable healthcare services. Local homeless shelters may also provide complimentary medical services for residents in need. Furthermore, community health centers and free clinics play a crucial role in serving the uninsured or under insured population in the region (cms.gov, n.d).
Sample Answer for NRS-420 Topic 1 DQ 1
Hi Prof.,
There is no universal health insurance program in the US. In 2018, it was anticipated that over 92% of the population had health insurance, meaning that 8.5 percent of people, or 27.5 million, did not have coverage.1. There has been gradual progress in establishing the right to healthcare.2. In the 1920s, employer-sponsored health insurance was first offered. Following World War II, it became more popular when the government implemented wage limits and proclaimed that benefits like health insurance were tax-exempt. 2018 saw roughly 55% of people with employer-sponsored insurance coverage.
Medicare and Medicaid provide disproportionate-share payments to hospitals whose patients are primarily uninsured or publicly insured in order to help cover uncompensated care costs (Camilleri, 2017).
Public hospitals and local health agencies provide extra safety-net services and charitable treatment, which are partially funded by state and local taxation. Furthermore, acute care is accessible to uninsured individuals due to a federal regulation that mandates most hospitals to treat all patients in need of emergency care, including laboring mothers, regardless of their financial situation, insurance status, race, or national origin. Consequently, unpaid care and charitable contributions come largely from private providers.
Reference:
Camilleri, S. (2017, May 8). The ACA Medicaid Expansion, Disproportionate Share Hospitals, and Uncompensated Care. Health Services Research, 53(3), 1562–1580. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.12702