When Politics and Medical Science Intersect
When politics and medical science intersect, there can be much debate. Sometimes, anecdotes or hearsay are misused as evidence to support a particular point. Despite these and other challenges, evidence-based approaches are increasingly used to inform health policy decision-making regarding disease causes, intervention strategies, and societal issues. One example is the introduction of childhood vaccinations and the use of evidence-based arguments surrounding their safety.
In this Discussion, you will identify a recently proposed health policy and share your analysis of the evidence supporting this policy.
· Review the Congress website provided in the Resources and identify one recent (within the past 5 years) proposed health policy.
· Review the health policy you identified and reflect on the background and development of this health policy
Post a description of your selected health policy and a brief background for the problem or issue being addressed. Which social determinant most affects this policy? Explain whether you believe there is an evidence base to support the proposed policy and explain why. Be specific and provide examples.
Health Policy
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Background
The challenge of infectious diseases remains a significant concern within the public health domain, which has been hastened particularly with the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. Antibiotic resistance, a historical challenge since penicillin's discovery, remains a crucial global health issue despite medical advancements (CDC, 2020a). Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio introduced the Strategies to Address Antibiotic Resistance Act (STAAR Act) on July 29, 2019, acknowledging its gravity. The STAAR Act presents a comprehensive and multi-pronged approach to address antibiotic resistance, encompassing several vital components. These measures include the organization of biannual public meetings aimed at enhancing transparency and fostering stakeholder engagement, implementing robust surveillance procedures, transparent sharing of critical data, the establishment of regional laboratories, provision of support for clinical trials to facilitate the development of innovative treatment solutions, and the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration. Together, these actions underscore the crucial role of transparency, research, and collaborative endeavors in tackling the continuously evolving challenge of antibiotic resistance while upholding the highest global public health standards.
Social Determinant
According to the CDC (2020a), the United States witnesses more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections annually, resulting in 35,000 deaths, highlighting the increasing threat these microorganisms pose. These statistics underscore the formidable challenge of managing infections as microbes develop resistance, leading to prolonged patient suffering, especially in those from low socioeconomic areas (Malik, 2019). A concerning example resonating with healthcare professionals is Clostridium difficile, a highly contagious bacterium that targets individuals exposed to potent antibiotics often prescribed for various infections. According to data from CDC (2020b), C. diff contributes to around 12,800 annual deaths, primarily due to severe diarrhea and gastrointestinal complications. Despite abundant knowledge regarding preventive measures, C. diff's persistence within healthcare settings emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive strategies, exemplified by the "Strategies to Address Antibiotic Resistance Act" (STAAR Act). This act aims to effectively combat antibiotic resistance and alleviate its substantial healthcare burdens.
Support for the Proposed Policy
The alarming data relea...