Conduct and document a literature search to critically review, analyze, and synthesize evidence substantiating three health care or public health challenges faced by your prospective practicum site and the populations it serves, or organizations with similar characteristics and populations served. Support your descriptions of the scope, magnitude, and impact of each challenge with relevant and timely evidence.
Introduction
Healthcare and public health organizations face numerous challenges in providing effective and efficient care to their populations. This literature review aims to critically analyze and synthesize evidence regarding three prevalent challenges faced by healthcare or public health organizations. These challenges include access to care, health disparities, and the burden of chronic diseases. The review will provide a thorough understanding of the scope, magnitude, and impact of each challenge, supported by relevant and timely evidence.
Access to Care
Access to care is a critical challenge faced by healthcare organizations, as it directly affects the ability of individuals to obtain necessary healthcare services. Limited access to care can lead to delayed or inadequate treatment, resulting in poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. Various factors contribute to the barriers of access, including geographical location, socioeconomic status, and lack of health insurance coverage (Andersen & Newman, 2005).
Geographical barriers play a significant role in access to care. Rural areas often lack sufficient healthcare facilities and professionals, forcing individuals to travel long distances to access care. This can be particularly challenging for individuals with limited transportation options. Additionally, urban areas with high population density may face challenges in terms of crowded healthcare facilities and long wait times for appointments (Williams, 2015).
Socioeconomic status is another determinant of access to care. Individuals with low income or limited financial resources may struggle to afford healthcare services, even if they have health insurance. High deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses can create financial barriers that deter individuals from seeking necessary care (Sommers, 2017). This can result in delayed or forgone treatments, ultimately leading to worsened health outcomes.
Lack of health insurance coverage is a significant barrier to accessing care, particularly in countries without universal healthcare systems. Uninsured individuals often face difficulties in accessing primary care services, preventive screenings, and specialty care. They are also more likely to rely on emergency departments for non-emergency conditions, leading to unnecessary healthcare costs and overcrowding (Sommers, 2017).
Health Disparities
Health disparities refer to the differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare services among different demographic groups. These disparities are influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment. Health disparities lead to inequitable distribution of healthcare resources and contribute to the perpetuation of social and health inequalities (Braveman et al., 2017).
Socioeconomic status is a significant determinant of health disparities. Individuals with lower income and education levels often experience poorer health outcomes compared to those with higher socioeconomic status. They are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases, have limited access to healthcare services, and face barriers to adopting healthy behaviors (Adler & Rehkopf, 2008).
Racial and ethnic disparities are also prevalent in healthcare. Minority populations, such as Black, Hispanic, and Native American communities, experience higher rates of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. They also encounter barriers to accessing quality healthcare, such as cultural and linguistic barriers, discrimination, and mistrust of the healthcare system (Smedley et al., 2003).
Educational attainment is another factor contributing to health disparities. Individuals with lower levels of education tend to have poorer health outcomes, as they may lack knowledge and resources to adopt healthy behaviors. They may also face challenges in understanding and navigating the complex healthcare system, resulting in limited access to appropriate care (Cutler & Lleras-Muney, 2010).
Burden of Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, pose a significant burden on healthcare organizations and the populations they serve. These diseases are often characterized by long duration, high healthcare costs, and potential for disability or premature death. The burden of chronic diseases is influenced by various factors, including aging populations, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, and socioeconomic disparities (WHO, 2021).
Aging populations contribute to the increasing burden of chronic diseases. As life expectancy increases, the prevalence of chronic conditions also rises. Older adults are more likely to develop multiple chronic diseases and require more frequent healthcare services and treatments. This puts pressure on healthcare organizations to provide comprehensive and specialized care for this population (Guralnik et al., 2019).
Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption, are major contributors to the burden of chronic diseases. These risk factors are often modifiable through interventions targeting behavior change. However, healthcare organizations face challenges in implementing effective preventive strategies and promoting healthy behaviors among their populations (WHO, 2021).
Socioeconomic disparities also play a role in the burden of chronic diseases. Individuals with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors and have limited access to healthcare services. This puts them at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases and experiencing poorer health outcomes. Addressing these disparities is crucial to reducing the burden of chronic diseases on healthcare organizations (Adler & Rehkopf, 2008).