Introduction
In this critical reflection paper, I will explore the importance of health equity in nursing. Health equity refers to equal access to healthcare services, regardless of an individual’s race, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. It is essential to nursing because nurses work with vulnerable populations at risk of experiencing health inequities. Health equality aims to ensure that everyone in a given neighborhood, state, country, or worldwide has access to high-quality healthcare that meets their needs without discrimination based on income level. The pursuit of health equity is both ethically and practically important.
In their roles as frontline healthcare providers, nurses must be cognizant of the disparities in the availability and quality of services for vulnerable populations. Nurses can benefit from learning about health inequalities to better serve their patients and the communities they support. This paper will examine some of the key issues in healthcare that contribute to health inequities and their impact on nurses and the healthcare system. The critical reflection paper will draw on various scholarly sources, including peer-reviewed journals, to thoroughly explore the topic.
Health Disparities
Health equality can only be achieved when all people, particularly those who are disadvantaged and face significant barriers to treatment, have equal access to quality healthcare. The power dynamics in healthcare are addressed. As healthcare practitioners in a great position to deliver treatment, nurses are crucial in recognizing and resolving health disparities and promoting equitable care for all patients.
A lack of access to adequate medical care causes health inequalities. Health outcomes are more impoverished for economically and racially/ethnically disadvantaged populations than they are for more privileged populations, such as the wealthy (Rigolon et al., 2021). Some people in rural areas require easy access to preventive care and regular check-ups with a doctor. Some people may be unable to access care or follow medical advice due to language problems.
A health disparity is a health difference associated with a disadvantage. A person’s financial situation, geography (rural or urban), sexual identity or orientation, ethnicity, race, age, and handicap are all factors that might put them at a disadvantage. Factors such as a person’s socioeconomic status, level of education, access to healthcare, social isolation, and fear of homelessness and hunger all impact their health and well-being. Housing is crucial in developing and maintaining health inequalities (Swope & Hernández, 2019).
Making adjustments whenever feasible can boost the prospects of improved health. Health equity can be achieved by identifying and correcting health inequities. Nurses are in a prime position to provide this care. Power and control in healthcare refer to the ability of healthcare providers to influence the healthcare decisions of patients and their families. It is an essential aspect of nursing because it affects how nurses interact with patients and how patients perceive their care.
Role of Health Promotion in Achieving Health Equity
Health promotion aims to give patients a greater say in their care by expanding their influence and facilitating access to services in underserved areas. Health equity may be realized through the provision of optimal care to patients. Having a warm, dry place to sleep is crucial to getting enough rest and maintaining good health.
Public recreational and park spaces make it easier for people to engage in outdoor exercise to manage weight and improve heart health. A crucial aspect of achieving health equity is enhancing access to quality education. Understanding how eating and exercising may prevent potential chronic illness benefits the population.
Access to healthy food and the knowledge to make informed choices can significantly enhance people’s quality of life. Toxic chemical exposure can be avoided if people are aware of the risks and take preventive measures. To achieve health equity for everyone, Brewer et al. (2020) urge academics and innovators to incorporate community participation in developing data-driven, cutting-edge solutions for every sector of society.
Nurses as Health Equity Advocates
Health equity may be increased with the help of nurses, as they are more readily available than doctors. Nurses have an excellent opportunity to educate their patients about the importance of health promotion and illness prevention. They are also well-positioned to learn about inequalities in their respective areas.
The capacity to deliver care to the patient at the center can be enhanced with further training. If nurses are well-versed in the unique challenges faced by their patients’ diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, they will be better equipped to support those in their care. The more they understand about the local culture, the more likely their patients will adhere to their treatments and make informed lifestyle choices.
The proliferation of cheap, widely accessible cell phones is rapidly enhancing the potential of technology to promote health equality. The National Center for Biotechnology Information notes that smartphone users may have access to various health management solutions via mobile applications (“What can nurses do”, 2022). Spreading knowledge about these applications among patients can help promote health equality.
Nurses can motivate patients to improve their health by utilizing applications that aid in meditation, exercise, and diet management. Nurses can utilize technology to foster meaningful patient relationships and more effectively identify and address health disparities. Patients and nurses may communicate more effectively using translation applications and visual aids. For instance, if a nurse has an image of a patient’s rash, they will be better able to advise the patient on how to treat it or whether to see a doctor.
To enhance the health of underprivileged groups, nurses must be strong advocates for new policies. Nurses are uniquely positioned to shed light on the causes and consequences of health inequalities in their communities. Knowledge of this sort can be used to educate policymakers and inform community advocacy efforts (“What can nurses do”, 2022). Health equality is a social concept, and nurses can positively impact patient health by working towards its promotion. Improved health outcomes for all may be achieved with the support of nurses who have a deeper understanding of health inequalities, get more in-depth training in cultural health, effectively use technology, and advocate for health equality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, achieving health equity is crucial to nursing, as nurses play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing health disparities while ensuring equitable and equal care for every patient. A person’s health and well-being are influenced by various factors, including level of education, socioeconomic status, social isolation, access to healthcare, and fear of homelessness and starvation, among others. Strong advocates for new policies, increased influence, and improved access to services in underprivileged regions are ways nurses may contribute to health equity.
Technology also allows for improved communication with patients and enhanced assessment of health disparities. Improved health outcomes for everyone may be achieved with the support of nurses who better understand health inequities, have received more in-depth training in cultural health, and advocate for health equality. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare and the opportunity to achieve optimal health.
References
Brewer, L. C., Fortuna, K. L., Jones, C., Walker, R., Hayes, S. N., Patten, C. A., & Cooper, L. A. (2020). Back to the future: Achieving health equity through health informatics and digital health. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 8(1), e14512. Web.
Rigolon, A., Browning, M. H. E. M., McAnirlin, O., & Yoon, H. (Violet). (2021). Green space and health equity: A systematic review on the potential of green space to reduce health disparities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(5). Web.
Swope, C. B., & Hernández, D. (2019). Housing as a determinant of health equity: A conceptual model. Social Science & Medicine, 243, 112571. Web.
What can nurses do to promote health equity? (2020). University of North Carolina Wilmington. Web.