Health Disparities Blog Review
Health Disparities Blog Review
a) Despite of overwhelming evidence of racial, ethnic and cultural disparities in health care, this issue is still not being fully recognized and acknowledged. According to Nelson, public awareness takes an important place when trying to make changes and eliminate racial disparities in health care system (Nelson, 2002). It is argued that racial minorities lack access to or receive lower level of care and treatments compared to the white population. Regardless of patient treatment refusal mortality from cancer, heart disease and other conditions are higher among racial and ethnic
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minorities (Nelson, 2002). What are some of the barriers preventing minority population from receiving timely and adequate care? Lack of medical insurance, illegal immigration status, low income, lack of professional providers in the area and many others (Mandal, 2018). Illegal immigrants remain uninsured thus seek emergency care only in critical conditions. Lack of timely interventions and medications can lead to death from, sometimes, treatable conditions. High deductibles and premium costs can leave a family without coverage thus ignoring some red flags in health condition, such as anemia, hypertension that often result in serious complications and require immediate medical involvement. Language barrier is also an important factor that can influence health care disparities. Trust issues arise if the patient does not understand the provider and vice versa. Hospitals incorporate translation services unlike private practices which again leads to a 911 call as opposed to having regular appointments and prescribed medications. Recruitment of culturally and racially diverse medical providers as well as protecting civil rights are just two of many essential steps to resolving the conflict. Simultaneously, education should be provided to increase patients’ awareness about access to health care, social resources on transportation, assistance with meals, low-cost or free insurance, importance of preventative care and follow-up appointments. b) One might argue that the behavior, decisions and sense of responsibility of individuals will contribute to the health care disparities they experience. It might be easy to say get a job, apply for a medical insurance, see a doctor on a regular basis, exercise, eat healthy, rest, and take your medication; be responsible for your actions and control your life. As adults we must be responsible, but sometimes it is just not enough. As Pomeroy said in her speech, sometimes life breaks us. HIV positive, homeless, mentally or physically disabled individuals deserve same health care as everyone else. One decision to get a higher education may not be enough when people are struggling to make the ends meet. There is a proven correlation between chronic illnesses and level of education. Environment, stress, family that one is born into and other social determinants contribute to health care disparities aside from an individuals’ behavior and decisions. Pomeroy says it is important to feel valuable to the society. Sometimes stereotypes stand in the way of getting a fair status regardless of spotless behavior and best intentions. It is important that everyone tries to do and be at their best but only together as a community we can embrace our “diverse perspectives” and erase the inequalities in health care.
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