Background of the Problem
Access to health care is one of the biggest issues that affect various Latin American societies. In Mexico, the field of health care depends on various institutions, such as the hospitals of the Ministry of Health, the Mexican Social Security Institute, the Public Employees Security and Social Services Institute, or even companies such as Petróleos Mexicanos. By 2015, universal coverage was still far from being achieved. Although the Mexican government developed a plan with the creation of Seguro Popular to guarantee universal access to this right, in 2015 there were still 4 million Mexicans who did not have access to public health care. Low insurance reduces the quality of care Texas residents receive. This is because people without insurance cannot get preventive care and are more likely to have worse health outcomes.
Step 1: Activities
The purpose of this step is to understand current strengths, resources, needs and gaps in the community and to determine where and how to focus. Brief information about the same group can reveal important differences between them. Understanding the magnitude and nature of the differences is important in addressing the issue of health disparities. When collecting existing data, look for data that can be disaggregated by demographic groups or geographic areas. The experience of all the medical reforms and transformations in Texas must be carefully examined. It is also important to trace the relationship of these steps to reality and its dynamics.
Step 2: Activities
Within the step, it is necessary to prepare a summary or outline for presentation to the team. Encourage team members to review what has been shared with the community, including community presentations, newsletters, reports, and local media. For example, if one finds that there are few healthy eating places in the community, one can use the visual model to show this data as part of the “nutrition and exercise” health factor (Action Center, n.d.). Focus on the greatest opportunities for improvement. For example, obesity is a problem in most populated areas. A detailed study of obesity by population group and zip code/region can help focus on the areas that are most in need.
Step 3: Activities
One should start strategizing for short-term wins. At the same time, the researcher should lay the groundwork for strategies that will have a longer-term impact. It is quite important to make sure the process is inclusive, to identify the chosen strategy and make a list of the best options. The researcher should distinguish between the best and worst options. It can be useful to use a voting or decision-making process (Action Center, n.d.). This process can be loosely structured or follow a formal process. Adopting proven policies and programs or using innovative strategies may mean a careful evaluation is needed.
Step 4: Activities
Decision makers find the political will to act when they feel a demand from the community. The researchers’ job is to make that demand feasible; many good ideas remain ideas because those who have the power to act do not have the political will. Before one can expect decision-makers to use their power to adopt the policies one seeks or to fund the programs you propose. The specialist must first gain support for the position among constituents. Increasing public will is essential to building the political will you need to succeed. Public will and political will are important and usually act simultaneously. Public campaigns often focus on a particular issue and set the agenda for addressing that issue. Residents, community leaders and politicians from all sectors of society are invited to participate (Action Center, n.d.). When public opinion is formed, it can influence the political will, which often appears in the form of support for policy change and often leads to policy change; sometimes the opposite is true. In some cases, decision makers may have support, but want more public support, moreover, decision makers risk overpowering their constituencies.
Step 5: Activities
Advocacy/policy evaluation questions may differ from program evaluation questions because the outcomes are different, and one set of outcomes often depends on the other. For example, to ensure that people have equal access to quality health care, you must first build the public and political will to change policies and systems.The questions will vary depending on which of the following six outcome categories you are assessing. Be prepared to revisit these questions as the assessment proceeds (Action Center, n.d.). It is imortant make sure the strategy is working as intended and is directing your efforts effectively and efficiently. Determine what data is best to collect, from whom, and how. Make sure that the data you plan to collect will help answer the evaluation questions. Determine what information is readily available from other sources and what new data you need to collect. Consider using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to tell the team how effective your actions are.
Reference
Action Center. (n.d.). County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Web.