Review The Resources And Select One Current National Healthc

Review The Resources And Select One Current National Healthcare Issue

Review the Resources and select one current national healthcare issue/stressor to focus on. Reflect on the current national healthcare issue/stressor you selected and think about how this issue/stressor may be addressed in your work setting. BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 1 Post a description of the national healthcare issue/stressor you selected for analysis, and explain how the healthcare issue/stressor may impact your work setting. Which social determinant(s) most affects this health issue? Then, describe how your health system work setting has responded to the healthcare issue/stressor, including a description of what changes may have been implemented. Be specific and provide examples.

Paper For Above instruction

The current landscape of national healthcare is marked by numerous pressing issues that significantly impact healthcare delivery, policy, and public health outcomes. Among these, healthcare disparities, particularly those influenced by social determinants such as socioeconomic status, geographic location, and access to resources, stand out as critical concerns. For this analysis, I have chosen to focus on the issue of healthcare disparities related to socioeconomic status, given its pervasive influence on health outcomes and its relevance to my work setting.

Healthcare disparities rooted in socioeconomic status manifest in unequal access to quality healthcare services, preventive care, and health education. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face barriers such as limited health insurance coverage, transportation difficulties, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved areas. These disparities result in higher incidences of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and poorer health status among disadvantaged populations (Williams & Jackson, 2005). In my healthcare setting, which is a community health clinic serving a predominantly low-income population, these disparities are evident. Patients frequently present with advanced stages of preventable conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, due to delayed care seeking and lack of preventive services.

The social determinants most affecting this health issue include income level, education, and neighborhood conditions. Income level directly influences a person’s ability to afford healthcare services and medications. Education affects health literacy, which impacts an individual’s understanding of health information and adherence to treatment plans. Neighborhood conditions, such as living in areas with limited healthcare facilities, poor sanitation, or environmental hazards, exacerbate health disparities.

My healthcare organization has undertaken several steps to address these disparities. First, we have expanded outreach programs to educate and engage low-income populations about available health services and preventive care. For example, community health workers conduct home visits and community health fairs to increase awareness and facilitate access. Second, we have implemented sliding fee scales and assistance programs to reduce financial barriers. Third, telehealth services have been introduced to improve access for patients in remote or transportation-challenged areas. These initiatives have led to increased appointment adherence and improved health outcomes, but challenges remain, especially in addressing social determinants at a systemic level.

In conclusion, addressing healthcare disparities related to socioeconomic status requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, community engagement, and systemic reforms within healthcare organizations. Continued efforts to reduce barriers and enhance social support are essential for achieving health equity in our communities (Braveman et al., 2011).

References

  • Braveman, P., Egerter, S., Williams, D. R., et al. (2011). The Social Determinants of Health: Coming of Age. Annual Review of Public Health, 32, 381–398.
  • Williams, D. R., & Jackson, P. B. (2005). Social Sources of Racial Disparities in Health. Health Affairs, 24(2), 325–334.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Health Disparities and Inequalities Report. CDC.
  • Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (2021). Social Determinants of Health. HealthyPeople.gov.
  • Williams, D. R. (2012). Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Health: Complexities, Ongoing Challenges, and Future Directions. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1254, 1–13.
  • Funk, L. M., & Parker, V. (2020). Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Clinical Settings. Journal of Healthcare Management, 65(4), 265–272.
  • Graham, G. N. (2004). Using Socioeconomic Status and Race/Ethnicity to Predict Health Outcomes: An Analysis of Disparities. Public Health Reports, 119(1), 1–11.
  • National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity. National Academies Press.
  • Healthy People 2030. (2023). Social Determinants of Health. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
  • Bailey, Z. D., et al. (2017). Structural Racism and Health Inequities in the USA: Evidence and Interventions. The Lancet, 389(10077), 1453–1463.

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