Analyzing Healthcare Issues  NURS-FPX4000: Developing a Nursing Perspective I

1 Analyzing Healthcare Issues  NURS-FPX4000: Developing a Nursing Perspective I

2 Healthcare Disparities Healthcare disparities among individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) remain a persistent challenge in healthcare reflecting systemic inequalities that impact access, outcomes, and overall wellbeing. This paper will explain this issue of health care disparities for low SES people, analyze the contributing factors, compare potential solutions, discuss ethical considerations surrounding the implementation of these solutions, and how solutions can benefit individuals with their chronic disease management. Health Disparities for Low SES People Low SES individuals face a health disparity because of social determinants that extend beyond the healthcare system. These determinants include income, education, employment, housing, and access to healthcare resources (Jones et al., 2022). Individuals with low SES often encounter barriers in accessing quality healthcare services, leading to delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes. Factors contributing health disparities include limited financial resources, lack of health insurance, transportation challenges, and reduced health literacy (Garcia et al., 2023). These individuals may experience higher rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, which can be exacerbated by inadequate access to preventive care and health education (Jones et al., 2022). Analyzing Health Disparities for Low SES People Studies consistently demonstrate that individuals with lower SES experience higher mortality rates, increased prevalence of chronic diseases, and reduced life expectancy compared to their higher SES counterparts (Smith & Johnson, 2021). The disparities due to lower SES can include limited financial resources, transportation and technology which can limit their ability to attend needed appointments to not only treat illness, but also provide preventative care. Individuals may want to attend needed appointments and take their prescriptions as ordered but may lack the ability to do so because of financial limitations. 3 Comparing and Contrasting Solutions One solution is the expansion of community health clinics and mobile healthcare units to enhance accessibility along with the use of telemedicine. These initiatives bring healthcare services directly to underserved populations. This eliminates the individuals missing their appointments because there is not adequate transportation. Another strategy involves targeted public health education campaigns that raise awareness about preventative measures, available resources, and the importance of regular health check-ups. Increasing health literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and navigate the healthcare system more effectively. The goal of this strategy is to make individuals aware of the services available to them so they can improve their overall health and wellbeing. To help individuals be able to afford healthcare services, healthcare providers can implement financial assistance programs and sliding scale fees for low SES individuals (Smith & Johnson, 2021). These initiatives aim to reduce financial barriers, ensuring that cost does not deter individuals from seeking necessary medical care. Ethical Principles in Implementing Solutions The implementation of solutions to address health disparities for low SES individuals must be guided by ethical principles. The creation of mobile healthcare units follows the four ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence and autonomy and justice. Beneficence requires interventions that actively promote the well-being of individuals, focusing on improving access to healthcare, preventative services, and health education. Having a mobile unit ensures low SES individuals will have access to care available to them. Nonmaleficence calls for the avoidance of harm, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of health disparities. The 4 mobile clinics address the issue of individuals not having transportation to attend needed healthcare visits. Respecting autonomy involves recognizing low SES individuals in their healthcare decisions. The mobile healthcare units allow the individual to decide to seek treatment and give them the option to attend appointments they may not have been able to because of limited transportation. Justice is a fundamental ethical principle that underscores the need for fair and equitable distribution of healthcare resources. The utilization of a mobile healthcare clinic helps those in need to be able to seek out and obtain healthcare when needed, promoting equal access to quality healthcare for all. Solutions and Chronic Disease Management The proposed solutions to address health disparities for low SES individuals have direct implications for chronic disease management. Community-based interventions and increased access to healthcare s