Journal Reflection 44: Why Are You Entering The Healthcare F ✓ Solved

Journal Reflection 44 Why You Are Entering The Health Care Field W

Journal Reflection #4 4. Why you are entering the health care field? What is your motivation for serving people in this capacity? Where does that motivation come from? (150 words: 10 pts) Journal Reflection #5 5. Do you think health care is a human right or privilege? (300 words, 10 pts) Journal Reflection #6 6. Discuss how the three case studies discussed in the module show how a person from an underserved population has limited access to health care. What would you do to help an underserved person access health care on a personal level, professional level, and national level? (500 words, 20 pts) Journal Reflection #7 7. After watching the video lecture, answer the following question: Why is patient advocacy important? (500 words: 20 pts)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The healthcare field attracts individuals driven by a desire to serve, improve lives, and address disparities in health access and outcomes. Personal motivations for entering healthcare often stem from a combination of personal experiences, values, and a commitment to social justice. Understanding these motivations provides insight into the dedication necessary for a career dedicated to serving others.

Motivation for Entering Healthcare

My motivation for entering the healthcare field is rooted in a profound desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. Growing up in a community with limited access to healthcare, I witnessed firsthand how socio-economic factors and systemic barriers hindered individuals from receiving necessary medical attention. This experience cultivated a deep empathy and a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities. I am inspired by the idea of empowering patients through compassionate care and advocacy, striving to ensure that everyone receives equitable health services regardless of their background. Additionally, a personal family experience with chronic illness further strengthened my resolve to pursue a career where I can contribute to improving health outcomes and champion patient rights.

Healthcare: Right or Privilege?

The debate over whether healthcare is a human right or a privilege remains central to ongoing discussions in public health and policy. I believe healthcare should be considered a fundamental human right. Access to essential health services is integral to human dignity and societal stability. When healthcare is viewed as a privilege, it creates inequalities where only those able to afford services receive adequate care, leading to poor health outcomes among vulnerable populations. Conversely, recognizing healthcare as a right implies that society has a moral obligation to ensure that all individuals can access necessary health services, regardless of economic status. Countries that adopt this perspective often achieve better overall health metrics and reduced disparities. Ensuring healthcare as a right fosters a more equitable society where health is not determined by wealth but by the intrinsic worth of every individual.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Underserved Populations

The three case studies examined in the module highlight the profound impact of limited access to healthcare among underserved populations. These cases reveal barriers such as financial constraints, geographical remoteness, and cultural or language differences that hinder equitable access. For instance, one case illustrated how a rural community lacked nearby clinics, forcing residents to travel long distances, which was often impractical. Another case depicted immigrant populations facing language barriers and discrimination, limiting their ability to seek timely care. A third example involved an individual with low income who could not afford necessary medications or screenings.

On a personal level, I would advocate for providing education and resources to empower underserved individuals to navigate the healthcare system effectively. For example, guiding them on available services and how to access financial assistance programs can be impactful. Professionally, I would engage in community outreach efforts, collaborate with local organizations, and advocate for policies that expand access to care, such as mobile clinics or sliding fee scales. At a national level, supporting policies aimed at healthcare reform, addressing social determinants of health, and reducing systemic inequities are critical steps. Efforts should include expanding Medicaid, increasing funding for community health centers, and implementing policies that ensure universal access to essential health services.

Importance of Patient Advocacy

Patient advocacy is a cornerstone of ethical healthcare delivery. It ensures that patients' rights, preferences, and needs are prioritized within the healthcare system. Advocacy is important because it helps bridge gaps caused by systemic inequities, empowers patients to participate actively in their care, and promotes transparency and accountability among healthcare providers. Advocates serve as navigators who assist patients in understanding complex medical information, obtaining necessary services, and confronting discriminatory practices. Furthermore, advocacy can influence policy changes that improve healthcare access and quality on a broader scale. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, the role of advocates becomes vital in ensuring that vulnerable populations are not marginalized. Ultimately, patient advocacy fosters trust, promotes patient-centered care, and upholds the ethical principles of beneficence and justice.

Conclusion

Entering the healthcare field is motivated by a desire to serve and to contribute toward a more equitable healthcare system. Recognizing healthcare as a human right underscores the moral responsibility to eliminate disparities and provide all individuals access to necessary services. Addressing challenges faced by underserved populations requires efforts at the personal, professional, and policy levels. The role of patient advocacy is essential in promoting equitable, respectful, and effective healthcare, ensuring that every patient’s voice is heard and respected in their journey toward health.

References

  • Braveman, P. & Gruenewald, D. (2017). Addressing Social Determinants of Health: The Need for a Social Equity Framework. Public Health Reports, 132(3), 254-261.
  • World Health Organization. (2020). The right to health. WHO Fact Sheets. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-right-to-health
  • Gostin, L. O., & Powers, M. (2006). What is health rights?. Hastings Center Report, 36(4), 16-17.
  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Starfield, B., Shi, L., & Macinko, J. (2005). Contribution of primary care to health systems and health. The Milbank Quarterly, 83(3), 457-502.
  • Frenk, J., Chen, L., Bhutta, Z. A., et al. (2010). Strengthening health systems to improve health outcomes: WHO's framework. The Lancet, 376(9758), 1454-1461.
  • Anderson, N. E., & David, R. (2014). Community health and the social determinants of health. AJMC, 20(9), 6-9.
  • Fisher, E. & Baum, F. (2010). The social determinants of health: From evidence to action. In C. Milne et al. (Eds.), Social Determinants of Health (pp. 35-50). Oxford University Press.
  • Levesque, J. F., Harris, M. F., & Russell, G. (2013). Patient-centered access to health care: Conceptualizing access at the interface of health systems and populations. International Journal for Equity in Health, 12(18).
  • World Health Organization. (2013). Universal health coverage and health equity. WHO Bulletin, 91(9), 719-726.

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