Part 1: Global Health Policy Comparison

Global Health Issue: Maternal Mortality

Countries: United States of America (USA) and Sweden

U.S. National/Federal Health Policies

The United States has implemented several national and federal health policies to address the issue of maternal mortality. These policies include:

• The Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Quality Improvement (MAMI) program, which provides funding for states to improve maternal health outcomes.
• The CDC’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), which collects data on pregnancy-related health risks and outcomes.
• The Office of Women’s Health (OWH), which provides resources and support for women’s health, including maternal health.

Strengths of U.S. Policies

• The MAMI program has helped to reduce maternal mortality rates in the United States.
• The PRAMS system provides valuable data on pregnancy-related health risks and outcomes.
• The OWH provides important resources and support for women’s health.

Weaknesses of U.S. Policies

• The MAMI program has been criticized for its lack of funding and its focus on specific interventions.
• The PRAMS system does not collect data on all pregnancy-related health risks and outcomes.
• The OWH has been criticized for its lack of visibility and its focus on specific women’s health issues.

Swedish National Health Policies

Sweden has implemented a universal healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage for all pregnant women and their newborns. The Swedish government also invests heavily in maternal health services, including prenatal care, childbirth care, and postpartum care.

Strengths of Swedish Policies

• The universal healthcare system ensures that all pregnant women have access to quality maternal health care.
• Investments in maternal health services have helped to reduce maternal mortality rates in Sweden.
• Sweden has a strong focus on preventive care, which helps to identify and address potential problems early on.

Weaknesses of Swedish Policies

• The universal healthcare system can be expensive to maintain.
• There are some concerns about the quality of maternal health care in rural areas of Sweden.
• Sweden has a relatively high rate of cesarean sections, which can have negative consequences for mothers and babies.

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect their health. SDOH, such as poverty, education, and access to healthcare, can have a significant impact on maternal mortality.

Examples of SDOH Impact on Maternal Mortality

• Poverty is associated with a higher risk of maternal mortality.
• Women with less education are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Women with limited access to healthcare are less likely to receive prenatal care and other important maternal health services.

Cost, Quality, and Access to Healthcare

In the United States, healthcare costs are high, and quality can vary depending on the provider and location. Access to healthcare can be a challenge for some women, particularly those who are uninsured or underinsured.

In Sweden, healthcare is free at the point of service, and quality is generally high. Access to healthcare is universal, and there are no wait times for essential services.

Impact of Health Policy on Global Health

The health policies of the United States and Sweden can have a significant impact on global health. For example, the United States’ investments in maternal mortality research and prevention can benefit other countries around the world. Sweden’s universal healthcare system can serve as a model for other countries.

Impact of Health Policy on the Role of Nurses

Nurses play a critical role in addressing maternal mortality. In the United States, nurses can advocate for policies that promote preventive care, such as increased access to folic acid supplements and prenatal care. In Sweden, nurses can work to ensure that all women have access to high-quality maternal health care.

Impact of Global Health Issues on Local Healthcare Organizations and Policies

Global health issues can have a significant impact on local healthcare organizations and policies. For example, the rise of maternal mortality rates in the United States has led to an increased demand for maternal health services. This has forced healthcare organizations to adapt their services to meet the needs of pregnant women and their newborns.

Part 2: A Plan for Social Change

Incorporation of a Global Perspective into Local Practice

As a nurse leader, I can incorporate a global perspective into my local practice by:

• Educating myself about global maternal mortality rates and the factors that contribute to them.
• Advocating for policies that promote maternal health equity, both in the United States and around the world.
• Partnering with international organizations to share best practices and resources for maternal health care.
• Encouraging my colleagues to develop a global perspective on maternal care.

Impact of a Global Perspective

Incorporating a global perspective into my practice will allow me to provide better care to