Analysing current national healthcare issue/stressor
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.
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.
Sample Solution
The national healthcare issue/stressor I have selected for analysis is the unequal access to quality health care. This healthcare problem disproportionately affects minority and low-income populations, who are often unable to afford or access comprehensive health care services. Additionally, these populations may be geographically isolated from facilities that offer quality medical care, further contributing to the inequality of access.
This healthcare issue/stressor greatly impacts my work setting as a part of a large hospital system located in an urban area with a high concentration of low-income individuals and minorities. Our hospital system seeks to promote equity in healthcare by providing numerous services geared towards vulnerable populations in our community: we have an on-site clinic that offers discounted rates for uninsured patients; we host regular mobile clinics at local schools where students can receive free physicals, screenings, and vaccinations; we employ a team of Community Health Workers who provide patient navigation and other supportive services; and we partner with local organizations to provide resources such as food pantries and housing assistance.
These strategies address social determinants of health (SDOH) related to poverty, environmental factors such as lack of transportation or safe living conditions, knowledge gaps regarding preventative care measures or insurance policies, and cultural barriers between providers and patients due to language differences or lack of trust in medical professionals. In addition, our hospital system has intensified its focus on community outreach initiatives so that vulnerable patient populations are aware of our available resources – including bilingual education programs about preventative care practices – in order to increase access.
Overall, the unequal access to quality health care has been recognized by my organization as one major factor impacting the wellbeing of vulnerable communities within our geographic scope. Through multiple strategies aimed at addressing various SDOHs associated with this problem—such as increased outreach efforts paired with discounted fees for those without insurance—our organization works hard every day towards developing equitable solutions for all members within our population regardless economic standing.