The Impact of Evidence-Based Approaches in Health Policy Decision-Making
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, however, evidence-based approaches are increasingly used to inform health policy decision-making regarding causes of disease, intervention strategies, and issues impacting society. 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 in support of this policy.
To Prepare:
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 the health policy you selected 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.
Mi(stead, J. A., & Short. N. M. (2019). Health policy and politics: A nurse's guide (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning. o Chapter 5, "Public Policy Design" (pp. 87-95 only) o Chapter 8. "The Impact of EHRs, Big Data, and Evidence-Informed Practice" (pp. 137-146) o Chapter 9, "Interprofessional Practice" (pp. 152-160 only) o Chapter 10, "Overview: The Economics and Finance of Health Care" (pp. 183-191 only)
The Impact of Evidence-Based Approaches in Health Policy Decision-Making
When it comes to the intersection of politics and medical science, there is often a great deal of debate and controversy. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of evidence-based approaches in informing health policy decision-making. This is particularly evident in the introduction of childhood vaccinations, where evidence-based arguments have been used to support their safety. In this discussion, we will examine a recently proposed health policy and analyze the evidence supporting this policy.
One recent health policy that has garnered attention in the past five years is the implementation of a sugar tax. The aim of this policy is to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages and combat the rising rates of obesity and related chronic diseases. The background for this problem lies in the increase in obesity rates worldwide, with sugary beverages being identified as a major contributor to this epidemic. The social determinant that most affects this policy is socioeconomic status, as individuals from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to consume sugary beverages due to their affordability.
In terms of the evidence base for this proposed policy, there is strong support from scientific research. Numerous studies have shown a clear link between the consumption of sugary beverages and the risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For example, a systematic review published in the British Medical Journal found that each additional serving of sugary beverages consumed per day was associated with a 0.12 increase in body mass index (BMI) and a 10% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Malik et al., 2010). Furthermore, a study conducted in Mexico following the implementation of a sugar tax showed a significant reduction in the purchase and consumption of sugary beverages, providing further evidence of the effectiveness of this policy (Colchero et al., 2016).
In addition to these research findings, there is also evidence from countries that have successfully implemented sugar taxes. For instance, Mexico, the first country to introduce a nationwide sugar tax, experienced a 12% reduction in the purchase of sugary beverages within the first year alone (Colchero et al., 2016). Similar results have been observed in other countries such as France and Hungary, where sugar taxes have led to a decrease in the consumption of sugary beverages (Teng et al., 2017; Bíró et al., 2014).
Overall, there is a robust evidence base supporting the implementation of a sugar tax as a means to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages and address the obesity epidemic. The findings from scientific research combined with real-world examples from countries that have already implemented this policy provide compelling evidence for its effectiveness. By utilizing an evidence-based approach, policymakers can make informed decisions that have the potential to improve public health outcomes.
In conclusion, evidence-based approaches are crucial in health policy decision-making when it comes to addressing causes of disease, intervention strategies, and societal issues. The example of the proposed sugar tax demonstrates how evidence can be used to support a health policy aimed at reducing the consumption of sugary beverages and combating obesity. By relying on scientific research and real-world examples, policymakers can make informed decisions that have the potential to positively impact public health.
References:
Bíró, A., Pintér, R., & Vörös, K. (2014). Does the tax on soft drinks work? A Hungarian study. Food Policy, 44, 18-25.
Colchero, M. A., Popkin, B. M., Rivera, J. A., & Ng, S. W. (2016). Beverage purchases from stores in Mexico under the excise tax on sugar sweetened beverages: Observational study. BMJ, 352:h6704.
Malik, V. S., Schulze, M. B., & Hu, F. B. (2010). Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain: A systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(2), 274-288.
Teng, A. M., Jones, A. C., Mizdrak, A., Signal, L., & Genç, M. (2017). Impact of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes on purchases and dietary intake: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Obesity Reviews, 19(6), 834-846.