Assignment task:
Respond to the post.
1. What forms of community education could be used to address the social determinants of health your peer mentioned?
2. How might the public health nurse help improve the use of electronic health tools and their impact on your peer's community?
3. What community resources would you suggest your peers use as they collaborate to educate diverse populations? Want Assignment Help?
According to Healthy Tri-County (2022) the community of Berkeley County, Summerville, SC, has several social determinants of health that play a critical role in shaping residents' well-being, including economic instability, quality of education, and access to healthcare. Vanjani et al. (2023) explained that economic instability often correlates with disparities in health outcomes, as households with lower incomes often face significant financial barriers to accessing essential healthcare services, including preventive care, medications, and timely medical consultations. This limited access contributes to higher rates of unmanaged chronic diseases, delayed treatments, and poorer overall health outcomes. Economic instability also limits access to resources that promote a healthy lifestyle, such as nutritious food, safe housing, and recreational facilities (Vanjani et al.,2023). Vanjani et al. (2023) emphasized that this creates a cycle where low-income families are more likely to experience adverse health outcomes and, in turn, higher healthcare costs, further straining their financial resources. For example, families facing economic hardship might delay seeking medical attention due to the costs, which can lead to complications and emergency care later, which is more expensive and less preventive Vanjani et al. (2023). Additionally, healthcare quality varies across the community, with individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds often receiving suboptimal care (Vanjani et al., 2023). Vanjani et al. (2023) indicated that these individuals may encounter long wait times, lack of comprehensive services, or difficulty finding providers who accept insurance plans like Medicaid. These barriers exacerbate health inequities, with economically unstable populations disproportionately affected (Vanjani et al., 2023). The cumulative impact of economic instability and restricted access to healthcare not only contributes to immediate health disparities but also perpetuates a cycle of poor health and economic hardship, making it a key determinant to address in improving the well-being of residents (Healthy Tri-County, 2022).
In this community, telehealth has had a transformative impact, particularly for those facing barriers to traditional healthcare access (Healthy Tri-County, 2022). Telehealth has allowed residents to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and offering more flexible appointment options (Nutbeam & Lloyd, 2021). This has been especially beneficial for managing chronic conditions and ensuring continuity of care for patients who might otherwise delay or avoid seeking medical attention due to geographic or financial constraints (Nutbeam & Lloyd, 2021). Nutbeam and Lloyd (2021) highlighted that telehealth's integration has bridged gaps in healthcare accessibility, allowing individuals to access specialist consultations and follow-up care more conveniently. However, Nutbeam and Lloyd (2021) implied that despite the advantages, many residents may lack awareness of telehealth services or face technological barriers, such as limited internet access or digital literacy. To ensure that all community members can fully benefit from telehealth, collaboration with local organizations would be crucial. For example, Nutbeam and Lloyd (2021) suggested that partnering with local libraries and community centers can provide a platform to educate residents about telehealth services and offer resources for accessing these tools. Libraries, often equipped with internet access and digital devices, could serve as a vital resource for individuals who lack the necessary technology at home (Nutbeam & Lloyd, 2021). Additionally, collaborating with local health departments can help promote awareness of telehealth services through targeted outreach programs and educational workshops (Nutbeam & Lloyd, 2021). By working together, these community entities can bridge the gap in healthcare access and ensure that residents are fully informed and able to use the resources available to them.
References:
Healthy Tri-County. (2022). Tri-County health landscape: Community health needs assessment (CHNA) report.
Nutbeam, D., & Lloyd, J. E. (2021). Understanding and responding to health literacy as a social determinant of health. Annu Rev Public Health, 42(1), 159-73.
Vanjani, R., Reddy, N., Giron, N., Bai, E., Martino, S., Smith, M., & Trimbur, M. C. (2023). The social determinants of health-moving beyond screen-and-refer to intervention. New England Journal of Medicine, 389(6), 569-573.