ANSWER
First Discussion Post: Healthy People 2030: Access to and Quality of Health Care
Overview
In order to guarantee that every patient has the best possible health and well-being, nurse practitioners (NPs) must address socioeconomic determinants of health (SDOH). A number of goals are identified in Healthy People 2030 with the intention of enhancing health outcomes and access to care for various populations. Increasing the percentage of persons with health insurance is one of the main goals under Health Care Access and Quality (Objective AHS-04). This goal is essential since it has a direct impact on a patient’s capacity to obtain essential medical care, which in turn affects long-term health results. When conducting patient assessments, it is our responsibility as NPs to consider this determinant and take the necessary steps to remove any obstacles.
Questions for Assessment
Asking questions that gauge a patient’s capacity to access and pay for care is essential when assessing their access to healthcare. During a health history evaluation, some crucial inquiries that may be asked are:
Do you have health insurance right now? If not, what obstacles do you encounter when trying to get insurance?
This inquiry aids in determining if the patient can afford the required medical care.
How frequently do you struggle to pay for doctor appointments, medical treatments, or prescription drugs?
It is easier to spot obstacles to regular medical care and drug adherence when one is aware of the financial difficulties associated with receiving care.
Do you see the same doctor every day? What obstacles keep you from having one, if any?
This evaluates the ability to build a healthcare connection that promotes chronic care management and prevention, as well as continuity of care.
Do you face any logistical or transportation obstacles when trying to get healthcare services?
This inquiry aids in identifying whether living in underserved areas or lacking access to transportation are impeding access to care.
Proper Interventions
Several measures can be put into place to enhance healthcare access and quality based on the answers to these questions:
Referral to Programs for Financial Assistance:
An NP can direct a patient who lacks insurance or is experiencing financial difficulties to community agencies that provide help enrolling in insurance or to subsidized treatment options, or to governmental programs like Medicaid.
Making the Case for Health Insurance:
In order to improve their financial access to healthcare, NPs can educate patients about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and assist qualified patients in obtaining insurance through state or federal health exchanges.
Working together with social workers:
Working with a social worker to link patients with community resources (like health care navigators) or local transportation services can help patients who face non-financial obstacles, such transportation problems, get the care they need.
Education on Community Health:
Patients can avoid long-term health problems and achieve better overall health outcomes by learning the value of routine checkups and choosing a primary care physician. NPs can educate patients about chronic disease self-management and preventive care.
Assistance with Access to Medication:
To guarantee that patients have access to necessary therapies, NPs can look into generic alternatives, patient assistance programs, or pharmacy discount programs for patients who have trouble paying for prescription drugs.
In conclusion
Improving health equity and guaranteeing that every patient receives the care they require require addressing the social determinants of healthcare access and quality. In order to enhance health outcomes, nurse practitioners are essential in identifying obstacles, promoting improved access, and offering tools and solutions. NPs should take proactive measures to guarantee that all patients have the resources and tools they need to lead healthy lives by routinely evaluating patients’ access to healthcare through a thorough medical history.
Citations
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Office, n.d. Healthy People 2030: Quality and Access to Health Care. taken from the website https://odphp.health.gov
QUESTION
Using the following source; Health Care Access and Quality – Healthy People 2030 | odphp.health.gov , make an initial post following the rubric.
This week, you will consider assessment questions and appropriate interventions related to social determinants of health. Healthy physical, social, and economic environments strengthen the potential to achieve health and well-being. The nurse practitioner (NP) must assess all facets of clients’ health during a comprehensive health history. Health care access and quality. Select an objective related to your assigned social determinant from the Healthy People website