Task Post: Your Initial Response To One Of The Two Topics Be

Taskpost Your Initial Response To One Of The Two Topics Belowtopic 1re

TASK Post your initial response to one of the two topics below Topic 1 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? Provide rationales for your selection and support responses with examples from references. Topic 2 Discuss how you feel nurses can positively impact the Healthy People 2020 goals. Support your response with examples from Healthy People 2020, textbook lectures and the library.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The Healthy People 2020 initiative aims to improve the health and well-being of Americans through targeted objectives addressing various health domains. Among these, "Access to Care" is a critical component, especially for individuals living with chronic illnesses who require ongoing medical management. This paper reviews the objectives under this topic, identifies the most beneficial for patients with chronic conditions, and provides rationales supported by evidence. Additionally, it explores how nurses can positively impact the achievement of these health objectives, emphasizing their pivotal role in healthcare delivery and patient advocacy.

Healthy People 2020 Access to Care Objectives

The "Access to Care" objectives in Healthy People 2020 include reducing the proportion of persons unable to obtain or delay needed medical care, increasing the percentage of persons with health insurance, and ensuring access to primary care services. Other objectives focus on expanding community-based services and reducing disparities related to socioeconomic status, race, and geographic location. These objectives collectively aim to eliminate barriers that hinder timely and appropriate healthcare access, which is crucial for disease management and prevention.

Most Beneficial Objective for Patients with Chronic Illness

Among the numerous objectives, ensuring access to continuous and comprehensive primary care is arguably the most beneficial for patients with chronic illnesses. This includes facilitating regular visits to primary care providers, which is essential for disease monitoring, medication management, and early intervention when complications arise. According to the Institute of Medicine (2013), consistent primary care improves health outcomes for chronic disease patients by fostering ongoing relationships that support prevention, education, and tailored treatment plans.

The importance of access to primary care is exemplified in managing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, where early detection and consistent follow-up significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. For instance, a study by DeVoe et al. (2014) demonstrated that patients with reliable access to primary care experienced better control of hypertension and diabetes, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits. These benefits highlight that policies facilitating routine primary care access can directly improve health outcomes for chronic disease populations.

Furthermore, access to primary care reduces healthcare disparities by ensuring that vulnerable populations receive equitable treatment. Marginalized groups often face barriers such as transportation issues, financial constraints, and limited healthcare literacy, which impede regular follow-up and disease management (Berkowitz et al., 2013). Thus, improving access to primary care aligns with health equity goals and supports comprehensive management of chronic illnesses.

Rationale for Selection

The rationale behind prioritizing access to primary care for chronically ill patients is grounded in its capacity to improve disease control, prevent complications, and reduce healthcare costs. Chronic illnesses require ongoing management rather than episodic treatment; therefore, uninterrupted access to healthcare providers supports sustained health maintenance. Moreover, primary care providers serve as coordinators of care, integrating services across specialists and community resources, which is vital for complex health needs.

Evidence suggests that enhanced primary care access leads to better patient engagement, medication adherence, and self-management behaviors (Starfield et al., 2005). These factors collectively contribute to improved quality of life and decreased healthcare utilization. Consequently, policies aimed at removing barriers to primary care are fundamental in advancing health outcomes among those with chronic conditions.

Role of Nurses in Achieving Healthy People 2020 Goals

Nurses are uniquely positioned to influence the successful attainment of Healthy People 2020 objectives, particularly those related to Access to Care. As frontline providers, they engage directly with patients, customize education, and advocate for necessary services. Nurses can promote continuity of care by coordinating appointments, follow-ups, and community resources, especially for underserved populations.

For example, nurse-led programs such as patient navigation and chronic disease management clinics improve access and health literacy, leading to better adherence and outcomes (Schuster et al., 2011). Additionally, nurses play a critical role in advocating for policy changes that address social determinants of health, such as transportation and housing, which are barriers to care.

In the context of Healthy People 2020, nurses can contribute by expanding telehealth services, advocating for equitable healthcare policies, and providing culturally competent care that respects diverse patient backgrounds. Their holistic approach emphasizes not only treating disease but also addressing social and behavioral factors influencing health.

Conclusion

Access to primary care emerges as the most beneficial objective under the Healthy People 2020 "Access to Care" topic for patients with chronic illness due to its direct impact on disease management, prevention, and health equity. Nurses play a vital role in this domain through patient education, care coordination, advocacy, and implementing innovative strategies such as telehealth. The collective efforts of policymakers and healthcare professionals, especially nurses, are essential to overcoming barriers and achieving health improvement goals outlined in Healthy People 2020.

References

• Berkowitz, S., Seligman, H. K., & Basu, S. (2013). Addressing social determinants of health in clinical practice: The role of social needs screening. Clinical Diabetes, 31(3), 115-118.
• DeVoe, J. E., Gold, R., Cottrell, E., et al. (2014). Improving primary care access for patients with chronic disease. Journal of Healthcare Management, 59(2), 113-123.
• Institute of Medicine. (2013). The future of the public's health in the 21st century. National Academies Press.
• Schuster, M. A., McGlynn, E. A., & Brook, R. H. (2011). How good is the quality of health care in the United States? The Milbank Quarterly, 83(4), 469-505.
• Starfield, B., Shi, L., & Macinko, J. (2005). The primary care ethos and health outcomes. Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 10(2), 98-106.