Analyzing A Current Health Care Problem Or Issue ✓ Solved

Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue

Write a 4-6-page analysis of a current problem or issue in health care, including a proposed solution and possible ethical implications. Introduction In your health care career, you will be confronted with many problems that demand a solution. By using research skills, you can learn what others are doing and saying about similar problems. Then you can analyze the problem and the people and systems it affects.

You can examine potential solutions and their ramifications. This assessment allows you to practice this approach with a real-world problem.

1. Describe the health care problem or issue you selected for use in Assessment 2 and provide details about it. Identify possible causes for the problem or issue.

2. Use scholarly information to describe and explain the health care problem or issue and identify possible causes for it. Identify at least three scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles about the topic.

3. Analyze the health care problem or issue. Describe the setting or context for the problems or issues. Describe why the problem or issue is important to you. Identify groups of people affected by the problem or issue.

4. Discuss potential solutions for the health care problem or issue. Describe what would be required to implement a solution. Describe potential consequences of ignoring the problem or issue. Provide the pros and cons for one of the solutions you are proposing.

5. Analyze the ethical implications if the potential solution (the one for which you provide pros and cons) were to be implemented. Provide examples from the literature to support the points you are making.

Your assessment should also meet the following requirements: Length: 4–6 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference page. Font: Times New Roman, 12 point. Written communication: Write clearly and logically, with correct use of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Using outside sources: Integrate information from outside sources into academic writing by appropriately quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing, following APA style. References: Integrate information from outside sources to include at least three scholarly or academic peer-reviewed journal articles and three in-text citations within the paper. APA format: Follow current APA guidelines for in-text citations of outside sources in the body of your paper and also on the reference page. Organize your paper using the following structure and headings: Title page, Introduction, Elements of the problem/issue, Analysis, Considering options, Solution, Ethical implications, Implementation, and Conclusion.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction

In recent years, the healthcare system has been increasingly challenged by the issue of mental health management. Mental health problems have escalated, affecting a significant portion of the population. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), approximately 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in a given year. This paper seeks to analyze the current state of mental health within the healthcare system, propose actionable solutions, and explore the ethical implications surrounding mental health treatment.

Elements of the Problem/Issue

Mental health issues encompass a broad range of conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. With more than 50 million adults in the United States suffering from diagnosed mental illnesses (National Institute of Mental Health, 2021), this issue is significant and multifaceted. Contributing factors include social stigma, insufficient resources, and inadequate access to mental health services.

Social stigma remains one of the strongest barriers to seeking help for mental health issues. Individuals often face judgment and discrimination, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. Furthermore, mental health facilities frequently lack adequate funding, limiting their ability to accommodate all patients and provide necessary care (Hoffman et al., 2020). This creates a cycle where individuals in need of help do not receive it, worsening their condition and placing additional burdens on the healthcare system.

Analysis

The context of mental health management is critical to understanding its importance. This issue not only affects those who suffer from mental health conditions but also impacts families, communities, and the healthcare sector as a whole. For example, the inability to access timely and effective mental health care can lead to chronic illness, increased hospitalization rates, and, in severe cases, suicide (World Health Organization, 2021). Populations particularly affected by this issue include low-income individuals, who may not afford mental health services, and marginalized communities that already experience health disparities.

It is crucial to assess the credibility of information sources surrounding mental health. Peer-reviewed articles, such as those by Wang et al. (2020) and Keyes et al. (2020), offer valuable insights into the prevalence and ramifications of mental health conditions. These studies have been deemed credible due to their rigorous methodology and contribution to the body of knowledge.

Considering Options

One solution to the crisis of mental health management is the expansion of access to mental health services through telehealth. Telehealth can bridge gaps by providing counseling and support for individuals who cannot access traditional face-to-face services. This recommendation is particularly pertinent in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, where telehealth has proven effective for many patients (Dorsey & Topol, 2020). However, this solution requires investment in technology and training for mental health professionals to adapt to this model.

On the other hand, ignoring the problem of mental health care can lead to severe consequences. Increased rates of substance abuse, homelessness, and crime can ensue when mental health needs are unmet (Pescosolido et al., 2019). It is crucial for stakeholders to recognize these potentially significant downsides when considering the adoption of solutions.

Solution

Implementing telehealth as a primary mode of mental health care carries both advantages and disadvantages. The pros include increased accessibility, convenience, and reduced stigma surrounding seeking help (Rosen et al., 2021). However, the cons might consist of challenges related to technology access and the quality of care compared to in-person meetings. To implement this solution effectively, healthcare facilities would need to invest in technology, develop policies regulating telehealth, and ensure that practitioners receive training in this delivery method.

Ethical Implications

When analyzing the ethical implications of implementing telehealth in mental health management, professionals must balance patient autonomy with the necessity for professional oversight. On one hand, telehealth respects patient autonomy by allowing individuals to seek care on their own terms (Bennett et al., 2020). Conversely, there is an ethical responsibility to ensure that all patients receive high-quality, effective care regardless of the delivery method. Maintaining categorizations of care quality is vital to ensuring ethical standards are upheld.

Conclusion

Incorporating telehealth in mental healthcare is a progressive solution to a significant problem within the healthcare system. By addressing the barriers to access, we can foster better mental health outcomes and reduce the stigma surrounding these issues. Ethical considerations must remain at the forefront to ensure that care maintains its integrity, ultimately serving the best interests of the patient population.

References

  • Bennett, L. E., Koenig, H. G., & Wuthrich, V. M. (2020). Ethical issues in telehealth: The role of the healthcare professional. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 26(1-2), 73-78.
  • Dorsey, E. R., & Topol, E. J. (2020). State of telehealth. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(18), 1701-1707.
  • Hoffman, K. A., et al. (2020). Mental health care accessibility and barriers: A systematic review. Health Affairs, 39(2), 229-236.
  • Keyes, K. M., et al. (2020). The impact of stigma on mental health in young adulthood. American Journal of Public Health, 110(11), 1529-1535.
  • NAMI. (n.d.). Mental Health Facts. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/mhstats
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2021). Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
  • Pescosolido, B. A., et al. (2019). Stigma, social networks, and help-seeking for mental health care: A longitudinal study. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 60(3), 505-523.
  • Rosen, L. D., et al. (2021). Telehealth and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of clinicians. Psychiatric Services, 72(1), 31-37.
  • Wang, K., et al. (2020). Mental health in the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review. Psychological Medicine, 51(7), 1-10.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Mental health in emergencies. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/integrated-mental-health-services-in-primary-care/mental-health-in-emergencies

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