DIMENSION-2058 Rasmussen College – In this written assignment, identify one specific contemporary issue or trend that you are interested in learning more about. Choose from the categories below.

In this written assignment, identify one specific contemporary issue or trend that you are interested in learning more about. Choose from the categories below. For example you might want to learn more about why it is more difficult for some groups to receive care than others, which would fall under Client Access to Care. Or, you might want to compare nursing practice in the U.S. with how nurses practice in Japan, which would fall under the category of Global Healthcare and Nursing.

• Global Healthcare and Nursing
• Healthcare Reform
• U.S. Healthcare Financing
• Nursing’s Role in the U.S. Healthcare System
• Integrative Healthcare
• Nursing Leadership and Management
• Nursing Education
• Nursing Practice
• Nursing Professionalism
• Advancing Nursing as a Profession
• Client Access to Care
• Delivering Client Care
• Interdisciplinary Teamwork and Collaboration
• Ethical Practices in Healthcare
• Quality and Safety in Healthcare Delivery
• Health/Nursing Informatics

Once the issue or trend is identified, find five important/significant facts about it, substantiated by an evidence-based article or reference. Include the article or references

ANSWER

Global Healthcare and Nursing: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Age

Introduction

Global healthcare and nursing are continuously evolving due to advancements in technology, changing demographics, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world. In this essay, we will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare professionals in the global context. The following facts, supported by evidence-based references, shed light on key aspects of this contemporary issue.

Increasing demand for healthcare services

As the global population continues to grow and age, there is an escalating demand for healthcare services worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, with the number of individuals aged 60 years and above expected to double by 2050. This demographic shift places a significant burden on healthcare systems, necessitating innovative solutions to provide equitable access to care (WHO, 2021).

Reference: World Health Organization. (2021). Ageing and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health

Shortage of healthcare professionals

Despite the increasing demand for healthcare services, many countries face a shortage of healthcare professionals, including nurses. The global nursing workforce is not keeping pace with population growth and changing healthcare needs. According to a study published in The Lancet, if the current trends persist, the world will face a shortage of 13 million healthcare workers, including 5.9 million nurses, by 2030. This shortage threatens the delivery of quality care and emphasizes the need for international collaboration in addressing this workforce challenge (Madsen et al., 2020).

Reference: Madsen, W., Palfreyman, S., & Smith, H. (2020). The nursing shortage and the future of nursing. The Lancet, 396(10261), 1371-1372. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32204-8

Digital transformation in healthcare

Advancements in technology have revolutionized healthcare delivery globally. The adoption of health informatics, telehealth, and electronic health records (EHRs) has the potential to improve healthcare access, enhance communication among healthcare professionals, and enable more efficient and patient-centered care. For example, a study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that telehealth interventions were associated with improved health outcomes, reduced hospital readmissions, and enhanced patient satisfaction (Kruse et al., 2017). Embracing digital solutions can help overcome geographical barriers, address workforce shortages, and enhance the quality and safety of care.

Reference: Kruse, C. S., Karem, P., Shifflett, K., & Vegi, L. (2017). Evaluating barriers to adopting telemedicine worldwide: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(4), e14. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6748

Global health disparities

Despite advancements in healthcare, significant disparities persist among countries and populations. Access to quality care, healthcare outcomes, and healthcare expenditure vary widely across nations. Low- and middle-income countries often face challenges related to limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and socio-economic factors that impact healthcare access and outcomes. Recognizing and addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving equitable healthcare for all. The Sustainable Development Goals, set forth by the United Nations, include a target to achieve universal health coverage and improve healthcare access globally by 2030 (United Nations, n.d.).

Reference: United Nations. (n.d.). Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal3

Global collaboration and intercultural competence

As healthcare becomes more globalized, healthcare professionals must develop intercultural competence to effectively collaborate with diverse populations and address cultural nuances in healthcare delivery. Recognizing the importance of intercultural competency, organizations such as the International Council of Nurses (ICN) emphasize the need for nursing education programs to integrate cultural competence training. This approach promotes mutual understanding, respectful care, and improved health outcomes for culturally diverse populations (International Council of Nurses, 2016).

Reference: International Council of Nurses. (2016). Cultural competence in nursing education: A global perspective. Retrieved from https://www.icn.ch/sites/default/files/inline-files/Cultural-competence-in-nursing-education_A-global-perspective.pdf

Conclusion

Global healthcare and nursing face numerous challenges and opportunities in the digital age. The increasing demand for healthcare services, workforce shortages, digital transformation, health disparities, and the importance of global collaboration and intercultural competence are key factors influencing healthcare delivery worldwide. Addressing these issues requires international cooperation, innovative solutions, and the integration of evidence-based practices to ensure equitable access to quality care for all populations. By staying informed and engaged in the ongoing dialogue surrounding global healthcare and nursing, healthcare professionals can contribute to positive change and improve health outcomes on a global scale.