Discussion Question: Respond To One Of The Follow-Up Questio

Discussion Questionrespond To One Of The Following Questionsreview Th

Discussion Questionrespond To One Of The Following Questionsreview Th

Discussion Question Respond to one of the following questions: Review the Healthy People 2020 objectives for Access to Care. Of all the objectives listed under this topic, which do you think would be most beneficial to the patients with chronic illness? Please give rationales and support responses with references. Discuss how you feel nurses can positively impact the Healthy People 2020 goals. Citations should conform to APA guidelines. You may use this APA Citation Helper as a convenient reference for properly citing resources or connect to the APA Style website through the APA icon below.

Paper For Above instruction

The Healthy People 2020 initiative set forth a comprehensive framework aimed at improving health outcomes across the United States, with access to care being a critical component. For patients living with chronic illnesses, access to timely, affordable, and effective healthcare services is vital for managing their conditions and maintaining quality of life. Among the objectives outlined under access to care, the focus on ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services stands out as the most beneficial for chronic disease management.

This objective emphasizes reducing disparities and eliminating barriers that prevent individuals with chronic illnesses from receiving necessary care. For example, patients with conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic respiratory issues require regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. When access is limited due to socioeconomic barriers, geographic location, or inadequate health literacy, disease progression can accelerate, leading to increased hospitalizations and poorer health outcomes. Therefore, enhancing equitable access directly supports better disease control and reduces preventable complications. According to Bailey et al. (2019), addressing social determinants of health is essential for improving access and health outcomes in vulnerable populations with chronic conditions.

Nurses play a pivotal role in advancing the Healthy People 2020 goals related to access and equity. They serve as frontline healthcare providers who often have the most direct contact with patients, making them uniquely positioned to identify barriers and advocate for their patients. For instance, nurses can assess social determinants influencing access, such as transportation, financial constraints, or health literacy, and connect patients with appropriate resources. They can also educate patients about managing their conditions effectively and navigating the healthcare system, which enhances self-efficacy and adherence. Additionally, nurses can participate in community outreach and health promotion activities to address broader social factors affecting access.

Moreover, nurses contribute to policy advocacy by participating in health policy development, emphasizing the importance of equitable healthcare access. Their close interactions with patients provide valuable insights into systemic issues and help shape interventions that promote inclusivity and reduce disparities. As advocated by the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2015), nurses are essential advocates for creating a healthcare environment that is accessible, patient-centered, and equitable, aligning directly with the Healthy People 2020 objectives.

In conclusion, the objective of reducing disparities and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services is the most beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses. This not only improves individual health outcomes but also promotes social justice and health equity. Nurses, through their clinical practice, advocacy, and community engagement, are instrumental in advancing these goals, thereby contributing to a healthier and more equitable society.

References

  • American Nurses Association (ANA). (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA.
  • Bailey, Z. D., Krieger, N., Agenor, M., Graves, J., Lillie-Blanton, M., & Bassett, M. T. (2019). Structural racism and health inequities in the USA: Evidence and interventions. The Lancet, 389(10077), 1453-1463.
  • Healthy People 2020. (2020). Access to healthcare. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/access-to-healthcare
  • Koh, H. K., & Papachristou, J. (2018). Eliminating disparities in health and health care: The importance of social determinants. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 46(4), 608–612.
  • Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2019). Discrimination and racial disparities in health: Evidence and needed research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 42(3), 258-273.

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