- Select a significant health topic that has potential impact for your practice as a APN, and relates to Healthy People 2020’s determinants of health.
- I chose “Health Care Access in low-income populations in San Diego County”
- Population should be focused – for example, seniors with diabetics in Nye County.
- Note that a significant health topic should address:
- How many people are affected
- Quality of life issues
- Complications: short & long term
- Cost of services
- Burden to society (lost income, disability, malpractice, insurance costs).
- Review the literature for health promotion programs that have been utilized to address this health issue.
- Describe and critique available research/study on the selected health promotion programs.
- Analyze a Conceptual framework or theory applicable to the selected health promotion programs. Be specific.
How to solve
NSG 680 NU HCA in Low Income Populations in San Diego County Paper
Introduction:
The chosen significant health topic for this assignment is “Health Care Access in low-income populations in San Diego County.” This topic aligns with the Healthy People 2020’s determinants of health, specifically addressing the access to healthcare services and its impact on the well-being of low-income populations in the county. In this assignment, we will explore the number of affected individuals, quality of life issues, complications, cost of services, and burden to society associated with the lack of healthcare access. Additionally, we will review relevant literature on health promotion programs addressing this issue, critically analyze the available research/study, and propose a conceptual framework or theory applicable to these health promotion programs.
Answer:
The health topic chosen, “Health Care Access in low-income populations in San Diego County,” has a significant impact on the practice of an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) and relates to the determinants of health outlined by Healthy People 2020.
1. How many people are affected:
The population affected by the issue of health care access in low-income populations in San Diego County encompasses a considerable number of individuals. According to recent data, approximately X% of the total population in San Diego County falls within the low-income bracket, resulting in a substantial number of individuals being affected by limited healthcare access.
2. Quality of life issues:
Limited healthcare access in low-income populations in San Diego County has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of individuals. Without adequate access to timely and appropriate healthcare services, low-income individuals face difficulties in managing their health conditions, leading to compromised health outcomes, increased morbidity, and reduced overall quality of life.
3. Complications: short & long term:
The lack of healthcare access in low-income populations in San Diego County results in various complications, both short and long term. In the short term, delayed or inadequate medical intervention can exacerbate acute health conditions, prolong recovery periods, and increase the likelihood of complications. In the long term, the absence of preventive care and early intervention can contribute to the progression of chronic diseases, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
4. Cost of services:
The cost of healthcare services poses a significant barrier for low-income populations in San Diego County. Many individuals within this population struggle to afford essential healthcare services, including doctor visits, medications, and preventive screenings. This financial burden further limits their access to necessary healthcare and exacerbates health disparities.
5. Burden to society:
The lack of healthcare access in low-income populations in San Diego County results in a considerable burden to society. This burden includes lost income due to the inability to work or reduced productivity, additional disability resulting from delayed or inadequate healthcare, increased malpractice costs associated with managing preventable health complications, and higher insurance costs resulting from inflated emergency room utilization.
To address the health care access issues in low-income populations in San Diego County, various health promotion programs have been implemented. The literature contains several studies highlighting the effectiveness of programs such as community health clinics, mobile clinics, and outreach programs focused on providing comprehensive healthcare services to low-income individuals. These programs not only aim to improve access but also enhance health education, preventive care, and early intervention strategies.
Upon analyzing the available research/study on these health promotion programs, it is evident that they contribute positively to improving access and healthcare outcomes for low-income populations in San Diego County. However, certain limitations exist, such as funding constraints, limited resources, and the need for sustained engagement and collaboration with community partners.
A conceptual framework or theory applicable to the selected health promotion programs is the Socio-Ecological Model. This model takes into account multiple levels of influence on health behavior, including individual factors, interpersonal relationships, community factors, and broader societal and policy factors. By considering these various levels of influence, health promotion programs can address the complex barriers faced by low-income populations in accessing healthcare services, aiming to create sustainable and comprehensive solutions.
In conclusion, the health topic of “Health Care Access in low-income populations in San Diego County” has a profound impact on the practice of an APN and aligns with the determinants of health outlined by Healthy People 2020. The challenges associated with healthcare access for low-income populations, including the number of affected individuals, quality of life issues, complications, cost of services, and burden to society, necessitate the implementation of effective health promotion programs. By carefully reviewing the available literature, analyzing research studies, and utilizing appropriate conceptual frameworks or theories, APNs can contribute to addressing this significant health issue and improving healthcare access for low-income populations in San Diego County.
