Using current research and scholarly information (within the last five years), identify and analyze at least two key areas of disparity in healthcare. What economic policies do you think economic policies have impacted these disparities? What recommendation related to each disparity would you make for an organization to plan for this to minimize the negative impact while still delivering quality care? Purchase the answer to view it
Healthcare disparities exist when there are differences in access to healthcare, quality of care, and health outcomes among different populations. These disparities can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including social, economic, and environmental factors. The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze two key areas of disparity in healthcare and examine the economic policies that impact these disparities. Additionally, recommendations will be provided for organizations to plan and minimize negative impacts while still delivering quality care.
One key area of disparity in healthcare is access to care. Access to healthcare refers to the ability of individuals to obtain and utilize healthcare services when needed. Research has shown that certain populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and those living in rural areas, experience barriers to accessing healthcare services. These barriers can include lack of health insurance, transportation issues, and limited availability of healthcare facilities in their communities.
Economic policies can greatly impact access to care. For instance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) implemented in 2010 sought to expand access to healthcare for individuals by expanding Medicaid eligibility, creating health insurance marketplaces, and establishing requirements for health insurance coverage. As a result, there was a significant decrease in the uninsured rate among Americans. However, economic policies that restrict access to healthcare, such as cuts to Medicaid funding or reduction in subsidies for health insurance, can lead to increased disparities in access to care.
To minimize the negative impact of economic policies on access to care, organizations can adopt a number of strategies. Firstly, they can focus on improving outreach and education efforts to ensure that individuals are aware of the available healthcare services and how to access them. This can include utilizing community health workers and implementing targeted communication campaigns. Additionally, organizations can advocate for policies that expand access to care, such as supporting Medicaid expansion at the state level or lobbying for increased funding for safety net clinics.
Another key area of disparity in healthcare is quality of care. Quality of care refers to the extent to which healthcare services provided to individuals are safe, timely, effective, efficient, patient-centered, and equitable. Research has shown that certain populations, such as racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with lower socioeconomic status, and those with limited English proficiency, are more likely to receive lower quality care compared to their counterparts.
Economic policies can impact quality of care in several ways. For example, policies that result in underfunding of healthcare systems may lead to inadequate staffing and resources, resulting in poorer quality of care. Additionally, policies that incentivize volume-based care rather than value-based care may also contribute to disparities in quality, as healthcare providers may prioritize quantity of services over the provision of high-quality, patient-centered care.
To minimize the negative impact of economic policies on quality of care, organizations can implement several strategies. Firstly, they can invest in initiatives that promote healthcare quality improvement, such as the implementation of evidence-based care guidelines, performance measurement, and public reporting of quality metrics. Organizations can also advocate for policies that incentivize and reward high-quality care, such as pay-for-performance programs or value-based payment models. Additionally, organizations can prioritize cultural competence and language access to ensure that care is equitable and patient-centered for all individuals, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
In summary, healthcare disparities exist in various facets of healthcare, including access to care and quality of care. Economic policies play a significant role in shaping these disparities. To minimize the negative impact of economic policies, organizations can focus on improving access to care by implementing outreach and education efforts and advocating for policies that expand access. Additionally, organizations can invest in initiatives that promote healthcare quality improvement and advocate for policies that incentivize and reward high-quality care. By implementing these recommendations, organizations can work towards minimizing healthcare disparities and delivering quality care to all populations.