Discussion - Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework

Health care problems do not automatically receive policymakers’ attention. This week, you will apply Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework to a health equity issue and begin developing your topic for the Week 3 Health Equity Policy Position Statement.

Initial Post

Select a U.S. population experiencing a health disparity or barrier to equitable health care that you may wish to explore in your Week 3 paper. Address the following:

1. Identify the population and problem.

Briefly describe the population, the disparity or access barrier, and why it deserves policy attention. Include at least one relevant statistic or research finding. Consider a social or cultural factor that influences the problem or how others perceive it.

2. Apply Kingdon’s model.

Briefly explain the model in your own words, then apply its three streams to your issue:

Problem stream: What evidence, events, or feedback could bring attention to this problem?
Policy stream: What proposed solution could help? Identify one possible policy response and briefly consider its feasibility.
Politics stream: What stakeholder interests, public attitudes, or political priorities might support or hinder action?
Explain what might create a policy window—an opportunity for these streams to come together and move the issue onto a decision-making agenda. Identify whose agenda you hope to influence, such as a state legislature or Congress.

3. Examine a barrier and an opportunity for nursing advocacy.

Identify one barrier to change or nursing activism related to your issue. Explain one realistic action a nurse or professional nursing organization could take to address it. Consider whether a small, incremental policy change could provide a feasible first step.

4. State your preliminary position.

Complete this statement:

“An initial policy approach I would consider is __________ because __________.”

Identify one question you still need to investigate before developing your Week 3 position statement. Your topic and position may evolve as you review evidence and receive feedback.

Connection to the Affordable Care Act

As you analyze the issue, consider whether the Affordable Care Act has a relevant connection to coverage, affordability, prevention, or access for your selected population. If it does, briefly explain that connection. If it does not, identify a more directly relevant policy or program.

Participation and Source Requirements

Support your initial post with at least two scholarly sources, one of which may be the course textbook. Add a primary government or other authoritative source when discussing a specific policy or reporting statistics.
Include APA-style in-text citations and a reference list.