NR 717 Week 4 Evaluation Processes in Population Health

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-717: Concepts in Population Health Outcomes & Health Policy

Prof. Name:

Date

Evaluation Processes in Population Health Discussion

Purpose

The purpose of this discussion is to explore strategies that can be applied to a specific population health practice problem to minimize health disparities. This requires examining national health objectives, identifying evidence-based interventions, and using structured evaluation methods to measure their effectiveness. By doing so, healthcare professionals can ensure that interventions not only address the health issue but also contribute to long-term improvements in population well-being.

Instructions

1. Compose a brief statement introducing the selected practice problem (to remind readers of your selected topic).

The chosen practice problem is the management of diabetes in low-income communities. Diabetes disproportionately impacts socioeconomically disadvantaged groups due to barriers such as poor access to affordable, healthy food, limited healthcare services, and inconsistent adherence to medication regimens. These challenges increase the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and amputations. Addressing this issue is critical to improving quality of life and reducing health disparities among vulnerable populations.

2. Summarize a related Healthy People 2030 Goal that applies to your selected population and health issue.

A relevant Healthy People 2030 objective is: “Reduce the burden of diabetes and improve quality of life for all people who have, or are at risk for, diabetes.” This goal emphasizes multiple approaches including prevention, early detection, improved disease management, and equitable access to healthcare services. For low-income groups, it highlights the importance of resources that promote lifestyle changes, support adherence to treatment, and enable effective self-care practices.

Link: Healthy People 2030

3. Propose one evidence-based intervention to address the Healthy People 2030 goal.

An effective intervention is the implementation of community-based Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) programs. Evidence shows that DSME enhances patient knowledge, fosters regular blood glucose monitoring, and supports lifestyle modifications such as balanced diets and physical activity (Chrvala et al., 2016). Furthermore, when these programs are culturally adapted and facilitated by community health workers, they improve patient engagement and health literacy, making them particularly beneficial for underserved populations. DSME also empowers individuals to take an active role in their care, ultimately reducing hospitalizations and improving long-term outcomes.

4. Describe how you would determine if your evidence-based intervention was efficient, effective, and efficacious.

The evaluation of DSME can be conducted using the Three E’s Framework, which includes efficiency, effectiveness, and efficacy. This structured approach allows healthcare professionals to analyze both resource use and outcome impact.

Evaluation Criteria	Definition	Application to DSME Intervention
Efficiency	The optimal use of available resources, including time, personnel, and finances.	Compare program costs with measurable health improvements, such as reductions in HbA1c levels, fewer clinic visits, and improved medication adherence rates.
Effectiveness	The ability to produce meaningful results in real-world healthcare environments.	Assess patient outcomes in practice settings, such as better blood glucose control, healthier dietary choices, increased physical activity, and reduced hospital admissions.
Efficacy	The success of an intervention when tested in controlled or clinical settings.	Review findings from clinical trials and controlled studies demonstrating DSME’s ability to improve outcomes for individuals with type 2 diabetes across similar populations.

By applying this evaluation model, healthcare providers can determine not only if DSME works in theory, but also whether it is sustainable, scalable, and impactful in real-world communities.

Program Competencies

This discussion reflects alignment with the following program competencies:

Competency 5: Evaluate healthcare policies to advocate for equity and social justice for all populations, with emphasis on addressing disparities caused by social determinants of health. (POs 2, 9)
Competency 7: Apply population-level data and research evidence to support preventive care initiatives and enhance national health outcomes. (PO 1)
Competency 8: Exhibit leadership in advanced reasoning, professional identity, and systems thinking while planning, executing, and evaluating interventions. (PO 1)

Course Outcomes

This discussion also supports the following course outcomes:

Outcome 2: Integrate ethical and legal considerations to advocate for just, ethical, and equitable health policies across healthcare systems at multiple levels. (PC 5; PO 9)
Outcome 5: Develop strategies for delivering culturally sensitive and high-quality care to marginalized groups, reducing inequities and promoting social justice. (PCs 7, 8; PO 1)

References

Chrvala, C. A., Sherr, D., & Lipman, R. D. (2016). Diabetes self-management education for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of the effect on glycemic control. Patient Education and Counseling, 99(6), 926–943. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2015.11.003