- Published: October 2, 2022
- Updated: October 2, 2022
- University / College: Florida State University
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 50
Health Disparities Health Disparities My experience as an FNP has helped me realize the disparities that exist in primary care setting. The disparities that will be examined were observed in access to healthcare and satisfaction with primary healthcare services among patients from different ethnic or racial backgrounds. The disparities were also evident among persons with different insurance coverage. The disparities can be characterized according to the source of care, satisfaction with provider and patient satisfaction with the overall healthcare system. One of the most important observations that I made an as FNP student is that health center patients are more ethnically and racially diverse compared to national patients (Kronenfeld, 2013). In addition, health center patients are highly likely to be publicly insured or uninsured.
Disparities Observed In Primary Care Setting
Disparities in primary care setting are based on appropriateness, access and use of care. These disparities are caused by factors such as sex, income, health condition, race or ethnicity and geography. Patients with care sensitive conditions in low-income groups from rural areas are highly likely to indicate that their visit to the emergency department was because of a medical condition that was treatable by a primary care provider. Women with care sensitive conditions have a low probability of receiving information regarding medication side effects. In addition, they did not receive the four recommended tests required for chronic condition monitoring. They were also denied the right tools required for the self-management of their condition. People in low-income groups also did not receive support from their primary care provider. These people reported that their provider did not involve them during clinical decision-making (Kronenfeld, 2009). They were also not involved in the creation of a treatment plan that would help in the management of their medical conditions.
Preparation for Addressing These Disparities
I am preparing myself to address these disparities by conducting studies on disparities in primary care setting. In addition to the studies, I have interviewed healthcare professionals with an aim of gaining insights into the causes of the disparities and likelihood of avoiding them (Buttaro, 2013). I have performed a literature review of relevant literature on disparities in primary care setting. Most importantly, I have identified the most vulnerable demography and scheduled a survey with them in order to collect their views on the disparities experienced.
If awarded the scholarship, I will use the funds to finance my studies on how the disparities in primary care setting can be addressed. This is an important area of study because the country should have a healthcare system that does not discriminate people because of their race or social-economic background. Other developed countries have universal healthcare systems that serve all members of the population regardless of their background (Buttaro, 2013). The study will provide strategies for addressing the disparities and frameworks for preventing a reoccurrence of the problem.
Conclusion
Disparities in primary care setting are caused by factors such as sex, health condition, income and race. Disparities are evident in differences in use, access and appropriateness of care. In order to address the issue of disparities in primary care setting, I am preparing myself beyond the classroom by visiting healthcare centers and interviewing healthcare professionals in order to gain insights into the problem. In addition, I intend to conduct interviews with the patients who have experienced disparities in service delivery.
References
Buttaro, T. M. (2013). Primary care: A collaborative practice. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier/Mosby
Kronenfeld, J. J. (2009). Social sources of disparities in health and health care and linkages to policy, population concerns, and providers of care. Bingley, U. K: Emerald.
Kronenfeld, J. J. (2013). Social determinants, health disparities and linkages to health and health care. Bingley: Emerald.