Introduction
This essay reflects on personal experiences and thoughts concerning health surveillance and the methods used for tracking health outcomes, with a particular focus on how these experiences shape my perspective on globalization’s impact on U.S. population health. As a nursing student, my understanding of these topics is informed by both academic learning and practical exposure during clinical placements. The essay explores the role of health surveillance in identifying population health trends, evaluates the methods used for tracking outcomes, and considers how globalization influences health disparities and disease transmission in the U.S. context. By drawing on personal insights and academic sources, I aim to provide a balanced reflection on these interconnected issues.
Personal Experiences with Health Surveillance
During my clinical placements in community health settings, I observed firsthand the importance of health surveillance in monitoring population health. For instance, working with public health teams, I assisted in collecting data on vaccination rates and infectious disease incidence. These experiences highlighted the critical role of systematic data collection in identifying at-risk groups and informing health interventions. However, I also noticed limitations, such as underreporting in underserved communities due to limited access to healthcare. This reinforced my understanding that while surveillance is a powerful tool, its effectiveness depends on equitable access to health services—a concern often exacerbated by global and local disparities (Marmot and Wilkinson, 2006).
Methods for Tracking Health Outcomes
The methods used for tracking health outcomes, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and national health surveys, are essential for evidence-based practice in nursing. During my training, I engaged with EHR systems to track patient progress and contribute to broader health data sets. These tools provide real-time insights and facilitate coordinated care, yet I observed challenges, including data privacy concerns and inconsistencies in data entry across institutions. Furthermore, national surveys, while comprehensive, may not always capture the nuances of marginalized populations. As argued by the World Health Organization (WHO), robust health information systems are vital, but their accuracy relies on addressing systemic inequities—an issue I have come to appreciate through practical exposure (WHO, 2018).
Globalization and U.S. Population Health
Reflecting on globalization’s impact, my experiences have led me to recognize both its benefits and drawbacks for U.S. population health. Globalization has arguably improved access to medical technologies and knowledge transfer, enhancing healthcare delivery. However, it has also accelerated the spread of infectious diseases, as evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where global travel contributed to rapid transmission across borders, including in the U.S. (Smith et al., 2020). Additionally, my observations of health disparities in clinical settings align with research suggesting that globalization often widens inequalities, as economic policies may prioritize profit over health equity, disproportionately affecting vulnerable U.S. populations (Labonté and Schrecker, 2007). Indeed, witnessing patients struggle with access to imported medications due to cost underscored for me how global trade dynamics can directly impact local health outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, my experiences as a nursing student have shaped a nuanced view of health surveillance and outcome tracking, emphasizing their importance alongside their limitations. These reflections have further informed my understanding of globalization’s complex impact on U.S. population health, highlighting both opportunities for advancement and significant challenges related to disease spread and inequity. The interplay between local surveillance systems and global forces suggests a need for policies that address disparities at both levels. Ultimately, this personal and academic exploration underscores the importance of integrating equity-focused approaches in nursing practice to mitigate globalization’s adverse effects while maximizing its benefits for population health.
References
- Labonté, R. and Schrecker, T. (2007) Globalization and social determinants of health: Introduction and methodological background. Globalization and Health, 3(5), pp. 1-10.
- Marmot, M. and Wilkinson, R.G. (2006) Social Determinants of Health. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Smith, R.D., Keogh-Brown, M.R. and Barnett, T. (2020) The economy and health: COVID-19’s intersecting challenges. Health Policy and Planning, 35(6), pp. 765-768.
- World Health Organization (2018) Global Reference List of 100 Core Health Indicators. Geneva: WHO.
