TASK Post your initial response to one of the two topics below Topic 1 Review the Healthy People 2020 objectives for Access to Care. Of all the objectives listed under this topic, which do you think would be most beneficial to the patients with chronic illness? Provide rationales for your selection and support responses with examples from references. Topic 2 Discuss how you feel nurses can positively impact the Healthy People 2020 goals. Support your response with examples from Healthy People 2020, textbook lectures and the library.
Topic 1: Review the Healthy People 2020 objectives for Access to Care. Of all the objectives listed under this topic, which do you think would be most beneficial to patients with chronic illness? Provide rationales for your selection and support responses with examples from references.
Access to care is a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery, especially for patients with chronic illnesses. Healthy People 2020, a set of national objectives for promoting health and preventing disease, includes several objectives related to improving access to care for individuals with chronic illnesses. While all the objectives are important, one stands out as particularly beneficial to patients with chronic illness: “Increase the proportion of persons with a usual primary care provider.”
Having a usual primary care provider is critical for patients with chronic illnesses as it ensures continuous and coordinated healthcare management. Chronic illnesses often require long-term and ongoing care, involving multiple healthcare providers and specialists. A primary care provider acts as a central point of contact, overseeing the comprehensive and holistic management of the patient’s health. This coordination helps to avoid gaps in care, reduce the risk of medication errors and adverse events, and improve overall health outcomes for the patients with chronic illnesses.
Research supports the importance of having a usual primary care provider for patients with chronic illnesses. A study conducted by DeVoe and colleagues (2011) found that patients with a usual source of care, such as a primary care provider, were more likely to receive preventive care, such as regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. This finding is significant because preventive care plays a crucial role in managing chronic illnesses, preventing complications, and promoting overall health and well-being.
Moreover, having a usual primary care provider has been associated with better management of chronic conditions. A study by Starfield and colleagues (2005) showed that patients with a regular source of care had better control of their chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. These patients were more likely to receive appropriate medication management, disease monitoring, and education on self-care, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.
In addition to improved coordination and management of care, having a usual primary care provider can also enhance the patient-provider relationship. Patients with chronic illnesses often require ongoing support, counseling, and education. A primary care provider who knows the patient’s medical history, preferences, and values can deliver personalized care, address individual needs, and facilitate shared decision-making. This collaborative approach is crucial in managing chronic illnesses, promoting patient engagement, and improving health outcomes.
Furthermore, having a usual primary care provider can help mitigate the healthcare disparities often experienced by patients with chronic illnesses. Studies have consistently shown that individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, minority populations, and low socioeconomic status have limited access to care and poorer health outcomes. By increasing the proportion of persons with a usual primary care provider, Healthy People 2020 aims to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to care for all individuals, including those with chronic illnesses.
In conclusion, among the objectives listed under the topic of Access to Care in Healthy People 2020, increasing the proportion of persons with a usual primary care provider stands out as the most beneficial to patients with chronic illnesses. This objective promotes coordinated, continuous, and personalized care, which is essential for managing chronic conditions effectively. Research supports the positive impact of having a usual primary care provider on preventive care, chronic disease management, patient-provider relationships, and reducing healthcare disparities. By prioritizing this objective, healthcare systems can enhance access to care and improve the health outcomes of patients with chronic illnesses.