identify a vulnerable population and describe ways a nurse can advocate for a change to promote positive health outcomes.
Advocacy is considered a role that all healthcare practitioners can fill. Advocacy is important to healthcare and improving health outcomes by acting as “the voice” for clients and vulnerable populations.
· In your discussion, identify a vulnerable population and describe ways a nurse can advocate for a change to promote positive health outcomes.
· What government organizations and policies help to support advocacy in healthcare?
· What are guidelines that can be used within healthcare systems to help support advocacy?
· What is the link between healthcare advocacy and the financial outcomes of an organization?
identify a vulnerable population and describe ways a nurse can advocate for a change to promote positive health outcomes.
https://ojin.nursingworld.org/table-of-contents/volume-23-2018/number-3-september-2018/adopting-health-in-all-policies-approach/
One vulnerable population that nurses often encounter is individuals experiencing homelessness. Homeless individuals face significant barriers to accessing healthcare services, leading to poor health outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality rates. As advocates for this population, nurses can take several actions to promote positive health outcomes:
- Increase Access to Healthcare Services: Nurses can collaborate with community health organizations and shelters to provide healthcare services directly to homeless individuals. This may involve setting up mobile clinics, offering outreach programs, or providing transportation assistance to medical appointments.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Nurses can advocate for policies that address the social determinants of health contributing to homelessness, such as affordable housing, access to mental health services, and substance abuse treatment programs. Nurses can engage in grassroots advocacy efforts, lobby policymakers, and participate in community organizing initiatives to bring attention to the needs of homeless individuals.
- Promote Health Education and Prevention: Nurses can develop and implement health education programs tailored to the needs of homeless individuals, focusing on topics such as hygiene, nutrition, chronic disease management, and preventive care. By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to improve their health, nurses can promote positive health outcomes within this vulnerable population.
- Address Stigma and Discrimination: Nurses can challenge negative stereotypes and attitudes towards homeless individuals within healthcare settings and society at large. By advocating for compassionate and nonjudgmental care, nurses can create environments that foster trust and promote engagement in healthcare services among homeless individuals.
Government organizations and policies that support advocacy in healthcare include:
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS oversees various programs and initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations, including homeless individuals. Nurses can advocate for increased funding and resources for these programs to better meet the needs of underserved communities.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA): The ACA has expanded access to healthcare coverage for many individuals, including homeless individuals who may qualify for Medicaid or subsidized insurance plans. Nurses can advocate for the preservation and expansion of the ACA to ensure continued access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Guidelines within healthcare systems to support advocacy include:
- Institutional Policies: Healthcare organizations can develop policies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations and promote advocacy efforts. This may include policies related to cultural competence, language access, and equity in healthcare delivery.
- Ethical Codes: Nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), have established ethical codes that emphasize the importance of advocacy in nursing practice. Nurses can adhere to these ethical principles and advocate for policies and practices that uphold the rights and dignity of all individuals, including vulnerable populations.
The link between healthcare advocacy and the financial outcomes of an organization lies in the long-term benefits of promoting preventive care and addressing the social determinants of health. By advocating for policies and programs that improve access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations, nurses can help prevent costly complications and hospitalizations associated with untreated conditions. Additionally, promoting preventive care and addressing underlying social factors can lead to better health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs over time, ultimately benefiting the financial sustainability of healthcare organizations.
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