*Perform an academic search and locate articles from peer-reviewed journals that discuss a health disparity found in Native American communities. Discuss your findings and the impact. What can you do as an advanced nurse practitioner to eliminate these disparities? The post should be a minimum of 200 words, scholarly written, APA 7 formatted, and referenced. A minimum of 2 references is required (other than your text).
Title: Addressing Health Disparities in Native American Communities: A Role for Advanced Nurse Practitioners
Introduction:
Health disparities among Native American communities is a critical issue that warrants attention and action. These communities often face a myriad of health challenges, including higher rates of chronic conditions, mental health issues, substance abuse, and lower life expectancy compared to the general population. This post explores peer-reviewed articles that shed light on health disparities in Native American communities, their impact, and the role that advanced nurse practitioners can play in eliminating these disparities.
Findings and Impact:
Numerous studies have highlighted a range of health disparities affecting Native American communities. For instance, research by Jernigan et al. (2010) identified alcohol-related deaths as a major health disparity among Native American populations. The study reported significantly higher rates of alcohol-related mortality and alcohol-related risk behaviors compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Such disparities have far-reaching impacts, including social, economic, emotional, and physiological consequences for individuals and their communities.
In addition, the research conducted by Jiang et al. (2018) on health disparities in diabetes among Native Americans is of particular significance. The study found a higher prevalence of diabetes and related complications, such as cardiovascular disease and lower extremity amputations, among Native Americans compared to the general population. These findings suggest the urgent need for interventions to address diabetes and its associated disparities in Native American communities, including preventive measures, culturally sensitive care, and improved access to diabetes management resources.
Advancing Nursing Practice to Eliminate Health Disparities:
As an advanced nurse practitioner, several strategies can be employed to eliminate health disparities in Native American communities:
1. Culturally-Informed Care:
Culturally sensitive care is crucial in addressing health disparities among Native American communities. Recognizing the unique cultural values, beliefs, and practices of these communities is essential for establishing a therapeutic relationship and providing effective care. This includes understanding traditional healing practices, incorporating them into care plans when appropriate, and actively engaging community leaders and elders in healthcare decisions.
2. Health Education and Promotion:
Implementing health education and promotion programs targeted specifically for Native American communities can contribute positively to eliminating health disparities. Advanced nurse practitioners can play a key role in educating community members about the importance of preventive measures, early detection, and lifestyle modifications to control chronic conditions. Collaboration with community leaders and local tribal health organizations is crucial for the success of such initiatives.
3. Advocacy and Policy Development:
Advanced nurse practitioners can act as advocates for Native American communities by actively participating in policy development at local, state, and national levels. Advocacy efforts can focus on improving access to affordable healthcare, enhancing health insurance coverage, and securing funding for community-based health programs. By addressing the root causes of health disparities through policy advocacy, advanced nurse practitioners can contribute to sustainable change.
4. Collaborative Care:
Collaboration among healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, social workers, and community health workers, is fundamental in eliminating health disparities among Native American communities. By forming interdisciplinary teams, advanced nurse practitioners can ensure comprehensive and culturally sensitive care for individuals and families. Additionally, establishing partnerships with tribal leaders, community organizations, and healthcare institutions can enhance collaborative efforts to address health disparities effectively.
Conclusion:
Health disparities in Native American communities pose significant challenges and require concerted efforts to eliminate them. Advanced nurse practitioners have a critical role to play in addressing these disparities through culturally-informed care, health education, advocacy, policy development, and collaborative care approaches. By actively engaging with these strategies, advanced nurse practitioners can contribute to reducing health disparities and improving the overall health outcomes in Native American communities.