According To Thornton Et Al. 2016 Despite Improvements In Me

According To Thornton Et Al 2016 Despite Improvements In Medical

According to Thornton et al. (2016), “Despite improvements in medical care and in disease prevention, health disparities persist and may be increasing for chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer” (p. 1416). Health policy can serve as a tool to address these disparities by targeting the social determinants of health, including funding, education, and healthcare practices. Identifying disparities, understanding their root causes, and recognizing who they impact are essential steps toward improving overall public health.

Building upon the foundation set in Week 1, where a specific vulnerable or marginalized population was identified, this paper explores the advocacy priorities for that population. It examines the needs of the group, how disparities are embedded within policies, and how policy reflects and influences health outcomes. Furthermore, the role of nursing—both individually and collectively—in shaping policy decisions that affect these populations is analyzed, emphasizing nursing’s potential to serve as a catalyst for equitable health change.

Paper For Above instruction

Addressing persistent health disparities remains a significant challenge in the modern healthcare landscape, despite advancements in medical care and disease prevention as highlighted by Thornton et al. (2016). These disparities are particularly evident in chronic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, which disproportionately affect marginalized populations. Drawing from the allegory of the orchard, where vulnerable groups are likened to saplings that require additional care and protection, it becomes clear that targeted advocacy is needed to foster health equity. This paper discusses the advocacy priorities, the needs of a selected vulnerable population, the interplay between policy and disparities, and the vital role of nursing in advancing policy change.

Firstly, identifying advocacy priorities involves understanding the specific health challenges faced by the population. For example, if the population consists of low-income minority communities, priorities might include policies enhancing access to preventive healthcare services, increasing health literacy, and improving social support systems. These priorities stem from recognizing barriers such as economic instability, limited transportation, language barriers, and mistrust in the healthcare system. Addressing these issues requires policy interventions that focus on equitable funding for community health programs, expansion of Medicaid, and culturally competent health education initiatives.

The needs of vulnerable populations typically extend beyond healthcare access to encompass social determinants such as housing, education, employment, and neighborhood safety. Addressing these interconnected needs necessitates an integrated policy approach aimed at reducing social inequities that influence health outcomes. For example, improving affordable housing can diminish environmental health risks, while enhancing educational opportunities can increase health literacy and empower individuals to make informed health decisions. These social policies, therefore, directly influence health disparities by either alleviating or perpetuating existing inequities.

Disparities are reflected in policy through inequitable distribution of resources, exclusionary laws, or insufficient funding for targeted health programs. For instance, policies that do not account for language barriers fail to serve non-English speaking populations effectively, resulting in decreased preventive care and poorer health outcomes. Conversely, inclusive policies that prioritize culturally competent care and allocate resources towards underserved communities help bridge these gaps. The perpetuation of disparities through policy underscores the need for advocacy that promotes equitable, evidence-based legislation aimed at reducing health inequities.

The role of nursing, both as individual practitioners and as members of professional organizations, is pivotal in influencing policy decisions that impact vulnerable populations. Nurses often serve as the frontline advocates for patients, witnessing firsthand the effects of policy on health outcomes. By engaging in policy advocacy efforts—such as lobbying, participating in community health coalitions, and conducting research—nurses can influence legislative agendas to prioritize health equity. Professional organizations like the American Nurses Association (ANA) provide resources and platforms for nurses to advocate for policy changes that address social determinants and reduce disparities.

At the individual level, nurses can educate patients about their rights and available resources, advocate for patient-centered care, and participate in community outreach initiatives. Collectively, the nursing profession can influence policymakers by providing evidence-based data on disparities, advocating for equitable resource allocation, and shaping health policies that promote social justice. The collective voice of nurses is especially influential because of their trusted status within communities and their comprehensive understanding of the social contexts that influence health behaviors and outcomes.

In conclusion, addressing health disparities requires a multi-faceted approach that includes comprehensive policy advocacy aligned with the needs of vulnerable populations. Policymakers must be informed by the insights of healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who are uniquely positioned to identify gaps in care and advocate for equitable solutions. By prioritizing policies that target social determinants, increase access to healthcare, and provide culturally competent services, nursing can serve as a powerful agent of change in reducing health disparities and promoting health equity for marginalized populations.

References

• Thornton, R. L. J., Glover, C. M., Cené, C. W., Glik, D. C., Henderson, J. A., & Williams, D. R. (2016). Evaluating Strategies For Reducing Health Disparities By Addressing The Social Determinants Of Health. Health (Project Hope), 35(8), 1416–1423.
• Graham, G. N. (2016). Addressing health disparities through policy. Journal of Public Health Policy, 37(2), 185–196.
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• Resendes, W., & Gonzales, C. (2019). The role of nurses in health policy advocacy: Challenges and opportunities. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 209–218.
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• Cohen, J. B., & Mason, M. (2020). Policy advocacy for health equity in nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 68(4), 434–441.
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Social determinants of health. Healthy People 2020. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-of-health
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing’s Priority for Addressing Social Determinants of Health. ANA Policy Statement.
• Williams, R., & Ripley, J. (2021). Health policy and vulnerable populations: A nursing perspective. Journal of Policy Practice & Research, 16(1), 39–50.