AHS205 The Australian Healthcare System within a Global Essay 3 Sample

AHS205 The Australian Healthcare System within a Global

Assessment Brief

This assessment task requires you to research a health condition and analyse how the condition is managed in Australia compared to how it is managed in one other country. You will also investigate a related community initiative and the role of the nurse in that initiative.

Please refer to the Task Instructions for details on how to complete this task.

Context

Healthcare has major resource implications in terms of human, time and financial resources,and is increasingly influenced by environmental and overall sustainability concerns. Healthcare systems, priorities and politics vary globally, impacting on the management of preventative and interventional healthcare.

In this essay, you will examine local and global health issues and the healthcare systems and resources in place to manage those issues. This includes consideration of the political, sustainability and financial influences on the design, development and delivery of those health care systems and programs. Finally, you will consider the potential impact of the chosen health issue on Australia’s healthcare system and identify an innovative initiative that contributes to reducing or avoiding this issue.

Instructions

• Select one (1) of the following topics.

• HIV/AIDS

• diabetes

• cardiovascular disease and stroke

Research the topic you have chosen. Find studies/research/journal articles/government and international health agency reports relating to the topic. These peer-reviewed articles will help you support your line of reasoning.

Address the following questions in your essay.

1. Discuss the characteristics of the health issue selected.

2. How is this issue managed within Australia? (This may include government subsidies for managing the condition)

3. Compare Australia’s approach to how it is managed globally, in one (1) country where it is a major issue. In your comparison, include the political and financial influences that affect how this issue is managed in Australia and in your chosen country? Consider using gross domestic product (GDP) and per 100,00 population for comparison.

4. Identify which international agencies are involved and briefly describe their role?

5. Identify and describe a local community initiative that has been developed in response to this health issue. Include the nurse's actual or potential role in the initiative.

• Write your essay in 2,000 words (+/-10%), drawing from external resources and from the subjects learning resources.

• Ensure your information is supported by evidence that you have researched and referenced.

Solution

1. Introduction

The prevalence of Diabetes worldwide has prompted governments to create international plans for combating the disease. Anyone with Diabetes cannot use insulin well. Excessive blood sugar lingers in people's circulation when insufficient insulin or cells cease reacting. This can lead to heart disease, eye loss, and renal illness. The current essay focuses on diabetes issues in Australia. It examines the country's initiatives and approaches to managing Diabetes. The impact of political, economic, and healthcare considerations is provided by comparing diabetes control strategies in Australia and India. The essay has also discussed the country's local community initiative and the nurse's potential role. The essay argues that the differences between Australia's and India's approaches to diabetes management highlight the critical impact of economic disparities, political stability, and healthcare infrastructure because they shape the effectiveness of diabetes care approaches.

2. The Characteristics of Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot produce or properly use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes has two major types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system's assault and destruction of the pancreas' insulin-producing cells. Blood sugar levels can only be controlled by injecting insulin or using an insulin pump in persons with Type 1 diabetes (Dedov et al. 2021).

In that context, when the body either stops responding to insulin or produces insufficient insulin, it develops type 2 diabetes, which is linked to a person's way of life. It primarily affects adults, but with increased obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles, it can also strike younger people. Common symptoms of Diabetes include urinating often, increased thirst, lack of appetite, extreme tiredness, and difficulty seeing clearly (Health.gov.au, 2021 (b)).

Moreover, heart disease, renal failure, nerve damage, and vision loss are some of the issues resulting from untreated Diabetes. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar, medication or insulin therapy, and, in the case of Type 1 diabetes, administering insulin for life are all essential components of effective management. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are important to avoid setbacks and maintain a high standard of living (Li et al. 2020).

3. Australia’s Initiatives in Managing Diabetes

The government of Australia emphasises diabetes management, with services geared towards both public health promotion and individual patients. This dedication is reflected in the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030, which aims to promote the health and well-being of all Australians by strengthening the country's preventive health system (Aihw.gov.au, 2023 (a)). The Australian National Diabetes Strategy 2021-2030 was created further to demonstrate the government's dedication to the cause. A unified national approach to Diabetes is outlined in this strategy framework. Efforts to treat and prevent Diabetes over the next few years are laid out, along with the priorities and measures to be taken (Health.gov.au, 2021 (b)).

To evaluate diabetes-related products for possible subsidisation under the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) was established as the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) body effective November 1, 2020 (Health.gov.au, 2023 (a)). The National Diabetic Supply Service (NDSS) is vital because it provides low-cost or free access to lifesaving diabetic supplies such as needles, syringes, urine test strips, insulin pump consumables, blood glucose test strips, and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) items.

Furthermore, The NDSS is more than just a goods subsidy programme. It provides helpful services for persons with Diabetes that are well appreciated. This all-encompassing strategy aims to improve patient's quality of life (Health.gov.au, 2021 (b)). Australia has many national-level programmes and initiatives to deal with diabetes-related issues. These activities include financing for research, monitoring, and surveillance, all contributing to a comprehensive and evidence-based strategy for managing Diabetes for MBA assignment expert.

Additionally, The Diabetes Living Guidelines Demonstration Project is a proof-of-concept for a similar system (Health.gov.au, 2021 (b)). Evidence from research is continuously integrated with clinical and practical knowledge in this system. This makes it possible for practitioners and policymakers to have access to up-to-date, credible, and evidence-based guidelines (Aihw.gov.au, 2023). The government also financially supported the research on gestational Diabetes at Deakin University. This research investigates novel approaches to encouraging women with a history of gestational Diabetes to participate in subsequent screening for type 2 diabetes. Due to this initiative, people with Diabetes have access to the necessary supplies to self-manage their condition (Health.gov.au, 2021 (b)).

Despite the greater approaches and strong healthcare systems, according to data, the country still has a prevalence of Diabetes. In 2021, Diabetes affected around 1.3 million Australians or about 1 in 20. One in five Australians between the ages of 80 and 84 has Diabetes, making it more prevalent in the elderly population (Aihw.gov.au, 2023 (b)). Based on the information, it can be said that the country needs more improve its healthcare systems, and the government must focus on diabetes management policies and initiatives.

4. Comparing Australia’s and India’s Approach Managing Diabetes

Different policies and healthcare systems have been implemented for Diabetes in Australia and India. The results of their efforts to treat Diabetes are affected by the fact that these countries have vastly different healthcare systems, regulations, and allocations of resources. This section discusses the economic and political influence of managing Diabetes in two countries: Australia and India. Based on the influences, these countries' approaches are compared in the following:

4.1 Economic Influence

Comprehensive diabetes treatment measures are possible because of Australia's relatively strong healthcare system, supported by the country's strong economy and high GDP. The National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030 represents the country's forward-thinking attitude towards improving the health of its population through preventative measures (Health.gov.au, 2021 (b)). Initiatives like subsidising important diabetic medications and providing comprehensive support services through the NDSS are made possible by Australia's sizable GDP per capita, with almost 60797.96 USD as of 2022 (Tradingeconomics.com, 2022). This approach reduces the monetary cost of diabetes care while ensuring that underserved communities have access to the necessary resources.

In contrast, India has greater difficulties due to its large population and lower GDP per capita, expected to reach roughly $2,389 by 2022. Diabetes care in India is difficult to obtain because of the country's limited resources (Macrotrends.net, 2023). Healthcare inequalities are frequently the result of resource allocation decisions influenced by economic concerns. Inadequate resources, low levels of public understanding, and an unreliable healthcare system all work against those attempting to control Diabetes. There are efforts to combat Diabetes in India, but limited funding makes it difficult for them to reach a sizable section of the population. India has 73 million diabetics, making it the second most populous country in the world, behind China, according to the International Diabetes Federation (Oberoi & Kansra, 2020). After accounting for the cost of living changes, the anticipated national healthcare spending on Diabetes mellitus in India reached 31 billion US dollars in 2017. This would position India fourth place worldwide, after the United States of America, China, and Germany (Oberoi & Kansra, 2020).

4.2 Political Influence

Australia has the sixth-highest quality of life in the world. Australia's economy and government are both strong and secure. The government establishes a good foundation, making the regulatory structure easy to understand. This political steadiness is critical to the success of healthcare policies. Australia's relatively stable politics makes it possible to develop and execute comprehensive diabetes policies long-term. Solutions are organised and comprehensive due to government bodies like MSAC and NDSS (Health.gov.au, 2021 (b)).

Additionally, taxes influence purchasing decisions because they alter how much consumers spend on various options. A price signal can be sent by increasing the cost of unhealthy goods through taxes without eliminating consumer choice. An assessment of health-related food taxes published in 2012 added that, if properly implemented, such levies can influence consumer behaviour in favour of foods that are better for their health, with a minimum effective tax rate of 20% proposed (Kaldor et al. 2015). Still, most of the Australian government's efforts to reduce Diabetes have centred on raising awareness and empowering individuals to make positive behavioural changes.

Nevertheless, adequate diabetes management is overlooked due to India's political complexity and conflicting healthcare objectives. India's Corruption Index is at 40, and the country's political instability further undermines efforts to provide quality treatment for people with Diabetes (Tradingeconomics.com, 2022). These issues impede resource allocation and prevent healthcare programmes from being properly implemented, lowering the availability and quality of Diabetes control services. Long-term efforts for managing Diabetes in India are difficult to continue due to the uncertainty produced by political instability (Ajmera & Jain, 2019). While significant progress has been made in India to combat Diabetes, many other healthcare problems often overshadow this.

Additionally, the Indian government seems unlikely to provide significant resources to combating noncommunicable illnesses like Diabetes when the health budget accounts for only 1.2% of the overall outlay (less than half a rupee per person!) (Diabetesindia.com, 2023). Moreover, between 2019 and 2021, almost 31 million Indians were diagnosed with Diabetes, also proving the prevalence of Diabetes and the lack of healthcare systems of governmental support to prevent this issue (Diabetesindia.com, 2023).

Australia's strong healthcare system, effective policies, and greater GDP per capita improve diabetes treatment. The country’s diabetes strategies include product and service subsidies. However, a vast population, low GDP per capita, resource constraints, and a complicated political environment compound the problems in India. Despite attempts in India, these limits limit their influence. The comparison highlights the importance of political commitment, resource allocation, and economic considerations in diabetes treatment methods and outcomes in these two countries.

5. International Agencies and Their Role

The two major international organisations are active in several sectors of Australia's healthcare and development, including diabetes management, fostering cross-sector cooperation and information sharing.

World Health Organization (WHO): The World Health Organisation is key in developing international health guidelines and policies. Health-related difficulties, such as diabetes management, are addressed in Australia with the help of this organisation's technical knowledge, advice, and data. WHO works with the Australian government to improve diabetes prevention and management by bringing national health initiatives aligned with international best practices (World Health Organization, 2019).
International Diabetes Federation (IDF): The International Diabetes Federation is a leading advocacy group for diabetes education, prevention, and treatment worldwide. IDF's mission in Australia is to improve the lives of people with Diabetes by establishing international collaborations, disseminating research findings, and advocating for effective diabetes care. It helps Australian healthcare providers keep abreast with international developments, facilitating the introduction of novel methods for managing Diabetes. The IDF conducts public education campaigns to raise awareness of Diabetes and encourages people to work together to lessen the disease's effects (Idf.org, 2023).

6. A Local Community Initiative and the Nurse's Potential Role in the Initiative

6.1 Local Community Initiative

As a critical community initiative, Diabetes Australia's "Diabetes Amputation Prevention Initiative" (DAPI) is making strides towards its goal of lowering the number of amputations performed on people with Diabetes. Screening clinics are held regularly to check on people's feet and identify any problems at an early stage. Checking for wounds and infections and assessing blood flow and nerve activity are all part of this process. This initiative aims to help those at risk for or currently dealing with amputation due to foot issues caused by Diabetes. There are now 4,400 amputations performed annually in Australian hospitals, and up to almost 85% of these may be avoided (Diabetesaustralia.com.au, 2023).

6.2 Nurse’s Role

Nurses can play an essential to the success of this plan. They can host workshops where people learn about the need for good foot hygiene, how to care for their nails properly, and the warning signals of foot disorders. In addition to helping organise screening clinics, nurses can work with other medical specialists to create individualised programmes for participant foot care (Nikitara et al. 2019). In addition, nurses can help manage wound care by instructing patients on dressing wounds and properly avoiding further infection. Peer support groups led by nurses can help amputees cope with the challenges of daily living by sharing experiences, addressing issues, and offering advice. They represent patients' best interests by looking for their health and happiness (Rondhianto, 2020).

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the essay argued that the differences between Australia's and India's approaches to diabetes management highlight the critical impact of economic disparities, political stability, and healthcare infrastructure because they shape the effectiveness of diabetes care approaches. It compared complex economic, political, and healthcare environments in Australia and India and provided insight into the major role played by these elements in treating Diabetes. Effective diabetes treatment is supported by Australia's robust healthcare system, comprehensive regulations, and greater GDP per capita. Conversely, India struggles with resource constraints, political instability, and a lower GDP per capita. The essay cleared the importance of adapting diabetes care procedures to local conditions based on the comparison of the two countries. Moreover, the essay included international organisations like the WHO, and IDF are vital to promote cooperation and disseminate best practices in Australia. The "Diabetes Amputation Prevention Initiative" at Diabetes Australia is an initiative of a community-based campaign showing positive results in reducing diabetes-related complications.

References

Aihw.gov.au. 2023. (a) Diabetes: Australian facts. Retrieved June 30, 2023, from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/treatment-and-management

Aihw.gov.au. 2023. (b) Diabetes: Australian facts. Retrieved June 30, 2023, from aihw.gov.auhttps://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes-australian-facts/contents/how-common-is-diabetes/all-diabetes

Ajmera, P., & Jain, V. (2019). Modeling the factors affecting the quality of life in diabetic patients in India using total interpretive structural modeling. Benchmarking: An International Journal, 26(3), 951-970. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dr-Vineet-Jain/publication/330560475_Modeling_the_factors_affecting_the_quality_of_life_in_diabetic_patients_in_India_using_total_interpretive_structural_modeling/links/5f7ff467299bf1b53e1846f0/Modeling-the-factors-affecting-the-quality-of-life-in-diabetic-patients-in-India-using-total-interpretive-structural-modeling.pdf

Dedov, I. I., Shestakova, M. V., Vikulova, O. K., Zheleznyakova, A. V., & Isakov, M. А. (2021). Epidemiological characteristics of diabetes mellitus in the Russian
Federation: clinical and statistical analysis according to the Federal diabetes register data of 01.01. 2021. Diabetes mellitus, 24(3), 204-221.https://www.dia-endojournals.ru/jour/article/view/12759/0?locale=en_US

Diabetesaustralia.com.au. 2023. 4400 Reasons to End Amputations. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/4400-reasons/

Diabetesindia.com. 2023. THE INDIAN TASK FORCE ON DIABETES CARE IN INDIA. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from http://diabetesindia.com/diabetes/itfdci.htm#:~:text=With%20a%20health%20budget%20which,general%2C%20and%20diabetes%20in%20particular

Health.gov.au. 2021. (b) What we’re doing about diabetes. Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://www.health.gov.au/topics/chronic-conditions/what-were-doing-about-chronic-conditions/what-were-doing-about-diabetes

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Kaldor, J., Magnusson, R., & Colagiuri, S. (2015). Government action on diabetes prevention: time to try something new. Medical Journal of Australia, 202(1), 578-581. https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2015/202/11/government-action-diabetes-prevention-time-try-something-new

Li, G., Deng, Q., Feng, J., Li, F., Xiong, N., & He, Q. (2020). Clinical characteristics of diabetic patients with COVID-19. J Diabetes Res, 1652403-1652403. https://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/global-literature-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/resource/fr/covidwho-733124

Macrotrends.net. 2023. India GDP Per Capita 1960-2023. Retrieved August 12, 2023, from https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/IND/india/gdp-per-capita#:~:text=India%20gdp%20per%20capita%20for,a%206.68%25%20decline%20from%202019

Nikitara, M., Constantinou, C. S., Andreou, E., & Diomidous, M. (2019). The role of nurses and the facilitators and barriers in diabetes care: a mixed methods systematic literature review. Behavioral sciences, 9(6), 61. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/9/6/61/pdf

Oberoi, S., & Kansra, P. (2020). Economic menace of diabetes in India: a systematic review. International journal of diabetes in developing countries, 40, 464-475. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13410-020-00838-z

Rondhianto, R. (2020). Path analysis of the influence of nurses role on family caregiver diabetes self-management capabilities with empowerment as intervening variables in Indonesia. https://repository.unej.ac.id/bitstream/handle/123456789/98955/F.%20Kep_Jurnal_Rondhianto_Path%20Analysis%20of%20the%20Influence%20of%20Nurses%20Role.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

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