Using The Following Source: Health Care Access And Quality

Using The Following Sourcehealth Care Access And Quality Healthy Pe

Using the following source; Health Care Access and Quality - Healthy People 2030 | odphp.health.gov, make an initial post following the rubric. This week, you will consider assessment questions and appropriate interventions related to social determinants of health. Healthy physical, social, and economic environments strengthen the potential to achieve health and well-being. The nurse practitioner (NP) must assess all facets of clients’ health during a comprehensive health history. Health care access and quality. Select an objective related to your assigned social determinant from the Healthy People website.

Paper For Above instruction

The assessment of social determinants of health (SDOH) is fundamental to providing holistic care and addressing the root causes of health disparities. Among the various determinants, health care access and quality are pivotal factors influencing individual and community health outcomes. Based on the objectives outlined in Healthy People 2030, an appropriate objective related to this social determinant is: "Increase the proportion of persons who have a usual primary care provider" (Healthy People 2030, 2023). This objective emphasizes the importance of continuous, accessible, and quality primary care as a means to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities.

Effective assessment questions for evaluating health care access and quality should probe into the availability, affordability, and acceptability of health services for clients. Examples include: "Do you have health insurance?" "How easy is it for you to get to your healthcare provider?" "Are you satisfied with the healthcare services you receive?" "Have you faced any barriers in accessing care?" These questions help identify gaps in access and inform targeted interventions.

Interventions aimed at improving health care access and quality must address these identified barriers. Strategies may include developing community outreach programs to inform clients about available services, collaborating with local health agencies to expand primary care services, and advocating for policy changes to reduce costs and improve coverage. Nurse practitioners play a critical role by conducting comprehensive assessments, fostering trust, and connecting clients with appropriate resources.

Furthermore, individualized care plans should incorporate culturally sensitive approaches and consider social determinants impacting access, such as transportation, socioeconomic status, and health literacy. For instance, providing telehealth options can mitigate transportation barriers, while patient education initiatives can enhance health literacy. Addressing these factors aligns with the broader goal of creating healthier environments—physical, social, and economic—that support optimal health and well-being.

In conclusion, selecting an objective related to health care access and quality underscores the essential role of comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions. Ensuring that clients have a usual primary care provider not only enhances individual health outcomes but also promotes health equity across populations. Nurse practitioners must remain vigilant in evaluating social determinants like access to care and proactively implement strategies that foster equitable and high-quality healthcare delivery.

References

- Healthy People 2030. (2023). Health Care Access and Quality. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/broader-social-determinants-health/social-determinants-health

- Adler, N. E., & Newman, K. (2002). Socioeconomic disparities in health: PATHWAYS AND POLICY. Health Affairs, 21(2), 60–76.

- Blendon, R. J., et al. (2014). Access to health care and health status among adults in the United States. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 312(20), 2090–2098.

- Baker, D. W., et al. (2004). Health literacy and understanding of health information among patients with low income. The Annals of Family Medicine, 2(6), 560–567.

- Institute of Medicine (US). (2002). Unequal Treatment: Confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. National Academies Press.

- McGrail, M. R., et al. (2017). Telehealth and primary care: Better access, better care. Telemedicine and e-Health, 23(9), 718–728.

- Velasquez, C., et al. (2014). Improving access to healthcare for underserved populations. Journal of Community Health, 39(4), 758–771.

- Weinick, R. M., et al. (2006). What explains differences in access to health care among racial and ethnic groups? The Milbank Quarterly, 84(1), 125–156.

- Williams, D. R., & Jackson, P. B. (2005). Social sources of racial disparities in health. Health Affairs, 24(2), 325–334.

- World Health Organization. (2010). A conceptual framework for action on the social determinants of health. Geneva: WHO Press.