Running head: VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 1

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "Running head: VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 1"

Hillary Parsons
6 years ago
Views:

1 Running head: VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 1 Vulnerable Populations Robyn Veitch Ferris State University

2 VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 2 Abstract This paper is about the etiology of the vulnerable populations related to health care disparities. It looks at the reasons for the health disparities as not only being caused from the single factor of limited health insurance and access. It focuses on the importance of education, so that the community and the healthcare providers understand that vulnerable populations have many underlying issues that need to be handled on an individual basis. It reminds us that the nurse is the patient advocate and having negative judgment and biases towards the vulnerable population will only make the problem worse.

3 VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 3 Vulnerable Populations Vulnerability implies being a victim, with little recourse but to depend on others for help with healthcare goals and outcomes (Harkness & DeMarco, 2012). Although access to care is a necessary component of population health, concerted policy action in income security, education, housing, nutrition/foods security, and the environment is also critical in efforts to improve health among socially disadvantaged (Lantz, Lichtenstein, & Pollack, 2007). Health disparities do not only occur because the person does not have health insurance. The CDC aims to eliminate health disparities for vulnerable populations as defined by race/ethnicity, socio-economic status, geography, gender, age, disability status, risk status related to sex and gender, and among other populations identified to be at risk for health disparities (CDC, 2009). The core of the problem needs to be addressed and acted upon in order to break the cycle of vulnerability. Vulnerable people have many underlying health and social issues that need to be focused on, if positive change is to prevail. Often the vulnerable population of people is aware of the biases and stereotyping that occur from the community and healthcare providers, which can add to the problem of them not seeking help, when illness occurs. It is our duty to understand these factors and offer support and respect to them. The underserved population has a higher risk of developing health problems because of a greater exposure to health risk because of marginalization in sociocultural status, access to economic resources, age, or gender (Harkness & DeMarco, 2012). Gaining the trust of these individuals is crucial if they are expected to be comfortable enough to open up to the healthcare provider about their health issues. Because of this it is extremely important that the nurse do a thorough assessment and evaluation of the patient, so that their problems can be addressed and

4 VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 4 treated properly. Healthcare professionals need to be educated regarding the etiology of the situation of the vulnerable population that they are working with, in order to alleviate the chance of negative judgment or bias towards them, as this can serve as a barrier to the proper individualized care that they need and deserve. Medical and social needs demand individual care plans, aggregate data analysis, and effective creation of treatments that increase quality and avoid unnecessary costs for this population (AHA, 2011). Self Reflection In reviewing the resources and information researched regarding the vulnerable population, I have come to the realization that health disparities occur as a result of many factors compounded. Every aspect of care, for these people, needs to be addressed and improved upon. Understanding the etiology of each individual s problems and underlying issues will help the healthcare provider establish the most effective, efficient, beneficial plan of care that will achieve the greatest positive outcomes. Each patient needs to be evaluated on an individual basis, and not categorized according to the illness that they present with. These patients are dependent on the community health nurse to act not only as their care giver, but also as their advocate. Education in the area of vulnerable population needs to be increased throughout the community so that social prejudices and biases are dispelled. These people are human beings and deserve the same level of care and concern as any other person. It is the duty and responsibility of the nurse to be the best patient advocate possible. The patients depend on the nurses for care and direction, and they need to trust that we are there to give them sincere, concerned help. A professional nurse should be committed to helping the patient no matter what their health disparity or vulnerability may be.

5 VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 5 Reference American Hospital Association (AHA). (2011). Caring for vulnerable populations. Retrieved from Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2009). Health disparities. Retrieved from Harkness, G.A. & DeMarco, R.F. (2012). Community and public health nursing: Evidence for practice. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Lantz, P.M., Lichtenstein, R.L., & Pollack, H.A. (2007). Health policy approaches to population. Retrieved from

Running head: POPULATION BASED NURSING LEADERSHIP ROLES 1

Running head: POPULATION BASED NURSING LEADERSHIP ROLES 1 Population Based Nursing Leadership Roles Cheryl Howard NURS 340 Ferris State University POPULATION BASED NURSING LEADERSHIP ROLES 2 Abstract This