Identifying Barriers And Challenges That Impact Vulnerable A

Identifying Barriers And Challenges That Impact Vulnerable And Margina

Identifying barriers and challenges that impact vulnerable and marginalized groups is an important first step, but advocates cannot stop there. What can be done to address the inequities, the challenges, and the barriers? How might an advocate use policy to enact change? The Allegory of the Orchard required you to consider the barriers and challenges of specific vulnerable or marginalized populations. In our Week 1 Discussion, you identified a specific population connected to your practice, organization, or experience.

This week you will explore that population further by determining a specific advocacy priority for the population. To prepare: Review your selected population discussed in the Module 1, Week 1 Discussion: Allegory of the Orchard. Review the resources on vulnerable or marginalized populations. Consider the factors that create and maintain these populations. Reflect on nursing’s relationship with these populations and how this shapes our role in policy advocacy.

By Day 3 of Week 2 Using the selected population discussed in the Week 1 Discussion: Allegory of the Orchard, post a response detailing the following: What are the advocacy priorities for the population? What are the needs of this population? How are disparities reflected in policy and policy reflected in the disparities? What is the role of nursing, individually and collectively, in influencing policy decisions that adversely impact vulnerable populations?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of vulnerable and marginalized populations is a critical aspect of nursing advocacy, particularly regarding addressing barriers and implementing effective policy changes. In this context, this paper focuses on identifying advocacy priorities, the needs of the population, the relationship between disparities and policy, and nursing's role in influencing policy decisions that affect these groups. To illustrate these points, I will examine a specific population: homeless individuals in urban settings, a group often facing significant health disparities and systemic barriers.

Advocacy Priorities for Homeless Populations

The primary advocacy priorities for homeless populations revolve around ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare, affordable housing, mental health services, and social support systems. These priorities aim to address the root causes of homelessness and reduce the health disparities associated with unstable living conditions. Advocacy efforts focus on policy changes that increase funding for housing programs, expand Medicaid and other health coverage options, and implement community-based mental health services. Ensuring that policies are inclusive and considerate of the unique challenges faced by homeless individuals is essential for making meaningful progress.

Needs of the Homeless Population

The needs of homeless individuals are multifaceted, encompassing health care, safety, shelter, food security, and social services. Many face chronic health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health disorders, often exacerbated by limited access to care. Additionally, their needs include assistance with employment, stable housing, and social integration. Barriers such as lack of insurance, transportation difficulties, and stigma hinder access to essential services. Addressing these needs requires a coordinated approach that integrates healthcare, social services, and public policy to create sustainable support systems.

Disparities and Policy Reflection

Disparities experienced by homeless populations are deeply embedded in societal and policy frameworks. For example, policies that limit affordable housing options or restrict access to healthcare perpetuate disparities. Conversely, policies that increase funding for housing and mental health services can mitigate these disparities, leading to improved health outcomes. Disparities are often reflected in higher rates of hospitalizations, preventable diseases, and mortality among homeless groups compared to the general population. Policy changes that address social determinants of health are crucial in reducing these disparities.

The Role of Nursing in Policy Advocacy

nursing plays a vital role in influencing policy decisions impacting vulnerable populations. As healthcare providers and advocates, nurses can collect and communicate data on health disparities, participate in policy formulation, and serve as liaisons between communities and policymakers. Individually, nurses educate patients about available resources and advocate for their needs. Collectively, nursing organizations can influence legislation by lobbying for policies that promote health equity, funding for social services, and legislative reforms. Furthermore, nurses can engage in community-based participatory research to inform policy development and ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and effective.

Conclusion

In summary, addressing the needs of homeless populations requires identifying advocacy priorities centered on healthcare access, housing, and social support. Policies must reflect and aim to reduce disparities, and nursing’s role is indispensable in shaping these policies through data collection, advocacy, and community engagement. As frontline health professionals and collective advocates, nurses are uniquely positioned to influence policy decisions that can lead to systemic change and improved health outcomes for vulnerable groups.

References

• Baxter, S., & Baird, B. (2021). The role of nurses in health policy: Building capacity for advocacy. Journal of Nursing & Care, 10(2), 123-130.
• Hwang, S. W., et al. (2019). Homelessness and health disparities: Challenges for policy. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S3), S185–S187.
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Prioritizing health equity: Recommendations for policy change. The National Academies Press.
• Polain, J., et al. (2020). Social determinants of health and policy implications for vulnerable populations. Social Science & Medicine, 262, 113246.
• Reutter, L., et al. (2018). Nursing advocacy and policy influence: A systematic review. Nursing Outlook, 66(2), 138-147.
• Wright, L., & McMurray, A. (2018). Nursing's role in health policy: From advocacy to strategy. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 74(1), 4-13.
• Padgett, D. K., et al. (2020). Housing First and health outcomes for homeless individuals. American Journal of Public Health, 110(3), 358-366.
• World Health Organization. (2021). Social determinants of health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
• American Nurses Association. (2019). Nursing perspectives on health policy and advocacy. ANA Publications.
• Galea, S., et al. (2022). Policy and health disparities: Impact and opportunities. Health Affairs, 41(4), 557–565.