...Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper Vulnerable Populations in Current Events Paper Vulnerable populations can be defined broadly to include any individual, group, or community whose circumstances present barriers to obtaining information or to access resources offered before, during and after a socio-economic and or life changing event. Additionally, it may include, but are not limited to: age; physical, mental, emotional, or cognitive status (CDC, 2014). In 2011, the American Hospital Association (AHA) Board Committee on Research (COR) examined emerging practices in effectively coordinating care for vulnerable populations of Medicaid beneficiaries. There are approximately 9.2 million Medicaid beneficiaries are dual eligibles – low-income seniors and younger persons with disabilities who are enrolled in both the Medicare and Medicaid programs (AHA, 2011). Barriers that may prevent these populations from obtaining needed services: Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibles are among the sickest and poorest individuals, and they must navigate both government programs to access necessary services. The barriers that may prevent these populations can range to in include economic status, their personal or family values, attitudes, culture, and life circumstances of these individuals and the communities in which they reside. CDC provides evidence that Medicare beneficiaries belonging to racial and ethnic minorities persistently experience an increasing disproportionate...
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...I E S IN T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF HEALTH INEQUALITIES IN THE UNITED STATES Thomas A. LaVeist, Ph.D. Darrell J. Gaskin, Ph.D. Patrick Richard, Ph.D. September 2009 foreward Not everyone in the United States enjoys the same health opportunities. Studies show that minority Americans experience poorer than average health outcomes from cradle to the grave. They are much more likely to die as infants, have higher rates of diseases and disabilities, and have shorter life spans. As the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration work toward enactment of legislation to reform America’s health care system, a central focus of the debate has been the projected cost of ensuring accessible and affordable health care to every citizen. While some have struggled with the premise that health care reform can actually reduce health-related spending, the experience of racial and ethnic minorities under our current health care system is a strong indication that improving opportunities for good health – and minimizing inequities in health care access and outcomes – may well be good for the nation’s fiscal health, as well. This study, commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and carried out by leading researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, provides important insight into how much of a financial burden racial disparities are putting on our health care system and society at large. The researchers examined the...
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...Vulnerable Population and Self-Awareness Vulnerable populations are groups that are not well integrated into the health care system because of ethnic, cultural, economic, geographic, or health characteristics. This isolation puts members of these groups at risk for not obtaining necessary medical care, and thus constitutes a potential threat to their health. Commonly cited examples of vulnerable populations include racial and ethnic minorities, the rural and urban poor, undocumented immigrants, and people with disabilities or multiple chronic conditions. Persons with disabilities and multiple chronic conditions may find it difficult to obtain insurance coverage because small employers cannot afford to add workers to their health plans who are likely to have high medical costs, and finding an affordable insurance plan as an individual with pre-existing conditions is very difficult. The geographic and economic isolation of some poor rural residents may make access to specialty care difficult, even if they are covered by insurance. Finally, prohibitions against public insurance coverage, fear of being discovered, and language barriers are all factors that may keep undocumented immigrants from seeking care. The reasons for disparities are varied. For example, in access to health care, racial and ethnic minorities may lag behind non-Hispanic whites because patterns of residential segregation separate minorities from the supply of providers, because of language and cultural barriers...
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...December 2, 2012 ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISPARITY IN HEALTHCARE IN AMERICA Disparity in US Health Care is multifactorial, they reflect the differences in demographics, social-economic as well as environmental factors. The Journal of the American Medical Association identifies race as a significant determinant in the level of quality of care, with ethnic minority groups receiving less intensive and lower quality care. Ethnic minorities receive less preventative care, are seen less by specialists, and have fewer expensive and technical procedures than non-ethnic minorities. Studies have shown that this disparity affects the biological vulnerability to disease, utilization of health system in US and health care interventions. Understanding and intervening in the health disparity in the US is imperative because the US population is changing. According to the American Health Association (AHA), by 2050 Minority groups will compose almost half of the U.S. population by 2050. The biggest increase will occur within the Hispanic population. In December 2007, the American Hospital Association (AHA) created the Special Advisor Group on Improving Hospital Care for Minorities as part of effort to ensure equitable treatment of all patients. This article will discuss the issues related to disparity and how the American Hospital Association is taken several steps in helping aid in eliminating the racial disparity in health care. Health disparities in the quality of care exist and are based...
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...Heath Status of The Latino or Hispanic Population Maria Funez NRS-429V Family-Center Health Promotions February 29, 2015 Heath Status of The Latino or Hispanic Population Hispanics migrate to the United States for many different reasons but one of the most powerful motivators of migration whether legal or illegal is economic instability within the countries of origin. Although, is dangerous crossing the Mexican boarder to reached the U.S. the hopes for a better life is a powerful motivator to risk one’s life. Once in the U.S. Many Hispanics assimilate to the American life by means of education, learning a trade, and obtaining good paying jobs. Others have a harder time to assimilate to American culture due to the inability to learn the language, lack of education, or skills to facilitate better paying jobs. The Hispanic or Latino population in the United States has become one of the fastest growing minority groups in the country. According, to the United States Census Bureau (2010), there are 50.5 millions Hispanic or Latinos living in the United States. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2010, p.2). Nevertheless, the Hispanic population is facing many challenges; some of those challenges are associated to health. In deed, the purpose of this paper is to discuss the health status, how is health promotions define, and what health disparities’ exist for the Hispanic or Latino population in the U.S. According to Smith et al. (as cited by Page-Reeves, Nifaratus, Mishra, Gingrich, &...
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...Health assessment provides a foundation for improving the health of a community. Factors were noted in an assessment of Sampson County that affect the health of the population. The resultant proposal will focus on the southernmost part of the county which is more rural and has fewer resources. Delineating strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats helped to prioritize needs so that possible solutions can be generated. An emerging issue was the continued prevalence of chronic diseases despite the existence of health resources. Unfortunately, preventable aspects of the diseases cannot be addressed if individuals are unable to access services. Some citizens may access services but be unable to follow up. Access and transportation continue to present a formidable challenge to health promotion and disease prevention. Also a need for education regarding health promotion, healthy lifestyle choices, exercise and health screening was noted. Limited health literacy and low educational levels present barriers to successfully providing interventions. A need for more funding to provide strategies that address health disparities was apparent. For example, funds are needed to expand Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Programs and outreach for parent education. Other issues such as affordable housing and lack of adequate mental health service were noted. Substandard housing presents significant risks to adults and children. Strategies should be formulated which use current...
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...“Racial and ethnic disparities in health care are known to reflect access to care and other issues that arise from differing socioeconomic conditions”.1 There is increasing evidence that even after such differences are accounted for, race and ethnicity remain predictors of the quality of health care received. Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that is experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. Factors such as race or ethnicity, gender, education, or income, disability, geographic location such as rural or urban, or sexual orientation can define populations. The goal of the research paper is to present the magnitude and importance of racial...
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...Nursing MSN 533-08 Theoretical Aspects of Aging Running Head: ELDERLY LESBIANS AND BREAST CANCER 2 Elderly Lesbians and Breast Cancer Cancer health disparities have been documented in specific populations in the United States. Elderly lesbians are one such population, with factors related to lifestyle, socioeconomic status, healthcare practices, and access to services (Brown & Tracy, 2008). There is a pressing need for understanding of the health care disparities faced by elderly lesbians, so that the needs of this group can be adequately met. In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Several risk factors for breast cancer are at least partially modifiable, and are present more among the lesbian population than heterosexual women (Brown & Tracy, 2008). Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer among women worldwide, with rates significantly higher in developed nations. Over 80% of all female breast cancers occur among post-menopausal women. Breast cancer is not primarily found to be hereditary, but women who have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (which can be inherited) have a considerably higher breast cancer risk (Miller, 2012). Lesbian elders have particular well-being requirements, but often suffer from subpar care and reduced access to services. Fear of discrimination, low rates of health insurance, and negative experiences or feelings of discrimination by healthcare providers are all issues that have been documented to lead to increased...
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...Health Promotion amongst Diverse Populations: Focus on Hispanic and Latino Communities. Eleanor Rose Grand Canyon University May 17, 2015 Hispanic or Latino refers to people of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, South or Central American or any other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race (Pekmezi, Marquez, & Marcus-Blank, 2010). According to the U.S, Census Bureau there are approximately 54 million Hispanics living in the United States and this population is growing (Humes, Jones, & Ramirez, 2011). Culture can be defined as a set of learned behaviors and beliefs specific to a particular group. Cultural sensitivity, cultural relevance and cultural competence are vital in ensuring the success of any health promotion program designed to improve the health of a minority community (Castro, Balcazar, & Cota, n.d.). The purpose of this paper is to identify the current health status of the minority Hispanic community, identify factors leading to health disparities within this group and outline an appropriate method for improving the health of the community though health promotion. Health Status of the Hispanic Community Rates of chronic diseases, including type II diabetes, heart disease and obesity among this population group are disproportionately high with the two leading causes of death being heart disease and cancer. The death rate of Hispanics is 24% lower overall than non-Hispanic whites but they are 50% more likely...
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...Health Promotion in American Indians/Alaska Natives Mona Reed Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V August 02, 2015 Health Promotion in American Indians/Alaska Natives American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are people who maintain a tribal or community attachment and are descendants from any of the original inhabitants of North, South and Central America. The U.S. Census Bureau, in 2013, reported that there are greater than 5.2 million AI/AN in the United States, and that number is expected to increase to 11.2 million by 2060 (CDC, 2015a). AI/ANs have experienced a lower health status when compared to the national average of the non-Hispanic white population. The Indian Health Service (IHS), who provides health care services to those who reside on reservations, reports that this is due to inadequate education, discrimination in delivery of health services, disproportionate poverty and cultural differences. Also noted is that less than half of “AI/ANs permanently reside on a reservation and therefore have limited or no access to IHS services” (Indian Health Service, 2015a). In addition, the CDC reported in 2013 that 26.9% of AI/ANs lacked health insurance coverage. This writer will compare and contrast the health status of the AI/AN population with the non-Hispanic White population. Health disparities in the AI/AN population are well documented in research. The Office of Minority Health (OMH) Health Disparities Overview notes that this population suffers from low education...
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...Alise E. Jenkins May 24th, 2015 HCA-515 Health Care Models Analysis Hypothetical Case (basic details only): The patient is 72 year old female who smokes. She complains of extreme fluid retention in lower two limbs and lower abdomen. Breathing is difficult and she is only able to sleep while sitting erect in a reclining chair. Patient has underlying conditions: Obesity, Coronary Artery disease, Edema, Hypertensions, Dyslipidemia, Ischemia, and hx of quadruple Coronary Artery Bypass Graft. Current dx: Heart Failure Medical Model: A number of tests would be performed to analyze the extent of damage of the heart. An electrocardiogram would be one of the first tests performed to check the electrical activity of the heart and detect any type of ischemia (AHA, 2015). The tests would include X-Rays CT, and MRI scans. Also “Angiography that would allow imaging of the blood vessels” (AHA, 2015). Essentially it is creating a map of the heart. Ultrasound evaluations, echocardiograms, would also help define the amount of damage to the heart. Treatments for heart failure can vary due to underlying causes. However in most cases drugs are used to aid the symptoms. These drugs can include “beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and also a diuretic to help rid the body of excess fluid buildup” (CDC, 2015). Mechanical devices can be implemented into the heart too. These devices include pacemakers and defibrillators. These two mechanisms help improve...
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...poor conditions which do not have a complete health system. Furthermore, it also causes the highest economic loss among all diseases. It has been reported by the American Cancer Society and LiveStrong (2010) that approximately 7.6 million mortality of cancer was reckoned and an economic loss of $895 billion was taken by it universally in 2008. In addition, it is projected that the aggregate amount of cases of cancer in developing countries will rise by 73% within 2000 and 2020. (International Journal for Equity in Health, 2005) These shows cancer is a disease bringing out a huge burden to the society. This is unaffordable if this situation remains. Below are causes of cancer in economic, environmental, social and personal aspect respectively. Economic: There are mainly two economic factors leading to cancer. The first reason is the poverty problem of countries. It is reported by Marmot, M. (2005) that poverty is harmful to health since it mainly leads to the problems of having unclean water and unhealthy diet of these places. Especially for developing nations, an enormous number of children died annually due to the lack of clean water and sufficient hygiene. (INCTR, 2013) In addition, it has been reported by INCTR (2013) that governments are not willing to invest and provide funds in the health field. In extreme case, only less than 10% of overall government spending is used on the health care level. Thus, citizens have poor health care welfare and result in the vicious cycle...
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...Nursing in 3D: Diversity, Disparities, and Social Determinants The Social Determinants of Health: It’s Time to Consider the Causes of the Causes Paula Braveman, MD, MPHa Laura Gottlieb, MD, MPHb ABSTRACT During the past two decades, the public health community’s attention has been drawn increasingly to the social determinants of health (SDH)—the factors apart from medical care that can be influenced by social policies and shape health in powerful ways. We use “medical care” rather than “health care” to refer to clinical services, to avoid potential confusion between “health” and “health care.” The World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health has defined SDH as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age” and “the fundamental drivers of these conditions.” The term “social determinants” often evokes factors such as health-related features of neighborhoods (e.g., walkability, recreational areas, and accessibility of healthful foods), which can influence health-related behaviors. Evidence has accumulated, however, pointing to socioeconomic factors such as income, wealth, and education as the fundamental causes of a wide range of health outcomes. This article broadly reviews some of the knowledge accumulated to date that highlights the importance of social—and particularly socioeconomic— factors in shaping health, and plausible pathways and biological mechanisms that may explain their effects. We also discuss...
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...Health Needs Assessment: Practice Population BSc (Hons) Specialist Practitioner Community Nursing Word Count: 3836 Pages:17 Public health is a multifactorial approach to the health of the population and is concerned primarily with the promotion of health (Naidoo and Wills 2000). Wanless (2004) defines it as ‘The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts and informed choices of society, organisations, public and private, communities and individuals’. Baggott (2004) agrees with the above, but suggests that public health is fundamentally concerned with the activities of the community to improve health, rather than treatment of disease in individuals. As a student practice nurse working in a GP practice in primary care I will often be the public’s first point of contact with the National Health Service (NHS) (Ewles and Simnett 1999). Primary care is increasingly being seen as the key area within the NHS for the implementation of public health strategies (Peckham 2003, p.20). It is important, therefore, that I have an understanding of the wider issues which impact on the health of individuals and the population as a whole, in my area of practice (Jones 2000). Carey (2003, p.221) suggests that it is crucial for practice nurses to deliver care that meets the needs, and addresses the public health issues of the local population. One way to review whether health services are...
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...Accessing Healthcare Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) Iowa Danielle Fisher HCA 430 Prof. Jon Lasell April 2nd, 2012 With the many different vulnerable populations out there in the United States, the one that needs the most look after are people with alcohol or substance abuse. With the way that some people live day to day, it is hard to keep track of people who need help in the areas of drug abuse. Where I live, in Cedar Rapids Iowa, there is the Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) that helps people receive substance abuse treatment services that they need. The services that they provide are substance abuse treatments and the halfway housing which helps monitor people with heavy drug abuse problems. The type of care that is provided at the ASAC is the following: residential short-term treatment, residential long-term treatment, outpatient, and partial hospitalization/day treatment. For the ASAC the strengths to the program are its ability to adapt to different cases of people with drug abuse problems seeking help needed for their situation. Among the many different things that they have for common drug users, there are also special programs and groups that are provided as well. Adolescents, persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, pregnant/postpartum women, women, residential beds for clients' children, DUI/DWI offenders, and criminal justice clients are all the special groups that can be found there. Not everyone who is dealing with the...
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