Stakeholders in local community’s research options to best reach the public good. Offer examples of changes (social) in a community that would increase the demand for health care services and why you believe these factors will impact the demand for health care in the community. How do we ensure that funding for public health services is made available to where it is most needed? How do we encourage public health workers to work in underserved communities? Support your responses with academic resources.
Stakeholders play a crucial role in local community research aimed at promoting the public good. In the field of healthcare, stakeholders can include community members, healthcare practitioners, government officials, non-profit organizations, and community-based organizations. These stakeholders hold valuable insights and perspectives that can shape research priorities and ensure that public health interventions are effectively implemented.
One example of a change in a community that could increase the demand for healthcare services is a rise in chronic diseases. Chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer are increasingly prevalent worldwide, including in local communities. Factors contributing to the increasing incidence of chronic diseases can include aging populations, unhealthy lifestyles, and environmental factors. As the burden of chronic diseases in a community increases, the demand for healthcare services to prevent, diagnose, and treat these conditions will also rise. To ensure that healthcare services are adequately provided, it is crucial to identify and address the underlying social determinants of health that contribute to the development of chronic diseases in a community.
Another example of a social change in a community that would impact the demand for healthcare services is population growth and migration. Urbanization and migration patterns can lead to an increased population density in certain areas, resulting in the need for expanded healthcare facilities and services. Additionally, migration may bring individuals from different cultural backgrounds, which can pose challenges in providing culturally competent healthcare services. As the population dynamics change within a community, it is important to consider the distribution of healthcare resources and capacity to meet the increased demand.
To ensure that funding for public health services is directed to where it is most needed, a comprehensive and evidence-based approach is required. This can involve conducting needs assessments and health impact assessments to identify areas of greatest need. Additionally, transparent and accountable mechanisms for allocating funds should be put in place, such as transparent budgeting processes, regular audits, and evaluations of health program effectiveness. Governments, non-profit organizations, and community-based organizations can work together to advocate for equitable distribution of funding for public health services through policy changes and collaborations.
Encouraging public health workers to work in underserved communities requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both personal and systemic factors. On a personal level, incentives can be provided to attract public health professionals to underserved areas. These incentives can include financial incentives, opportunities for professional development, and support for work-life balance. In addition, strategies to address systemic barriers and promote health equity can be implemented. This can involve targeting health workforce education and training programs to address the specific needs of underserved communities, improving access to healthcare resources, and implementing policies that prioritize recruitment and retention of public health professionals in underserved areas. Collaborative efforts between academia, public health agencies, and community-based organizations can help create an enabling environment for public health professionals to work in underserved communities.
In conclusion, various changes in a community, such as an increase in chronic diseases or population growth/migration, can significantly impact the demand for healthcare services. Effective stakeholder engagement is crucial for research and intervention implementation aimed at addressing these changing healthcare needs. Furthermore, ensuring the equitable distribution of funding for public health services and encouraging public health workers to work in underserved communities require comprehensive and collaborative approaches. By addressing these challenges, communities can strive towards achieving better health outcomes for all their residents.
References:
1. World Health Organization. (2019). Noncommunicable diseases. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/noncommunicable-diseases.
2. Smith, R., Hiatt, R., & Emerson, M. (2020). Evidence for Action: A Systemic Approaches for Addressing Health Disparities. National Academies Press.
3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2019). Social determinants of health. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/social-determinants-of-health