Critical Disparities In Health Care

Health disparities are considered to be differences dealing with health care, which is closely linked with society economic and/or environmental disadvantages. The disadvantage could be caused by race, gender, age or socioeconomic status. Health disparities can be affect certain people in different ways which will cause greater obstacles based on their race or ethics group or religion.

1. What does the term health disparities mean? Health disparity is a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and environmental disadvantage. "Health disparities affect group of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group." (Kotch, 2013 pg. 233) 2.

As Americans, we are all equal, right? Well, why are there differences (or disparities) rampant throughout our nation’s health care system. These disparities can sometimes indicate that there is unequal treatment of Americans in our nation. In 2002, The Institute of Medicine (IOM) published the leading report, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care. The report proved there is in-fact, racial and ethnic disparities in American health care, and amid the many health care services available. Disparities in health care are of-course, not only prevalent across racial demarcations, but also across one’s sexual orientation, social class, socioeconomic position, sex, and geographic location (U.S.). Medical organizations like the AHRQ and the Health & Human Services Dept. are dedicated to bringing about equal health care to all Americans. These organizations have invested a lot of time and money into studies, making it possible for all Americans to research this issue in greater depth. This report is an attempt to provide some insight on the issue of ethnic/racial inequity in health care treatment in America. First, we’ll look at the stats that prove there are discernible ethnic/racial disparities in our health care system, and then we’ll examine why racial and ethnic disparities may exist and what methods can be employed to solve them.

Disparities in health and health care in the United States have been a longstanding challenge resulting in some groups receiving less and lower quality health care than others and experiencing poorer health outcomes. Hispanics, Blacks, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and low-income individuals are more likely to be uninsured relative to Whites and those with higher incomes. Low-income individuals and people of color also face increased barriers to accessing care, receive poorer quality care, and experience worse health outcomes. The Department of Health and Human Services Disparities Action Plan (HHS) sets out a series of priorities, strategies, actions, and goals to achieve a vision of a nation free of disparities in health and health care.

There are vulnerable groups that have significant problems in the health care system, due to this population being made vulnerable because of their financial circumstances or place of residence, health, age, race, mental or physical state. Access to health care across different populations are the main reason for current disparities in the United States health care system. Moreover, with a large amount attention being given to racial disparities in health, the meaning of race has come under increased scientific examination. (Sondik, 1997) Consequently, race remains to be one of the most politically charged topics in American life, because it's linked to sociocultural element often has led to classifications that have been ambiguous and improperly

All across the United States, it has been found that low income families are faced with extreme disparities in both health care, and their health care outcomes, when paralleled with their financially stable counterparts. While a number of contributing factors have led to such disparities, the latest income trends from across the nation, in addition to both the recession and high rates of unemployment, have profoundly challenged the aptitude for those living with a low-income to access health insurance, obtain quality care, and attain an overall healthy lifestyle.

Often the term “disparities” is related to a specific racial or ethnic group of people, many variations of disparities exist in America, mainly in regards to health. If any outcome from health disparities can be ascertained is populations and regions in America.

The U.S. healthcare has been dealing with disparities for centuries. These disparities can be racial, social, or economical. The disparities are easier to see when compared to other reference points, such as policies, procedure or protocol. Williams & Torrens, 2008 list several disparities when it comes to patient care, such as minorities are less likely to get diagnosed with cancer verses whites, patients with lower socioeconomic statuses are less likely to received diabetic services, and many more. In order to eliminate some there disparities it must first be recognized by others that it is a serious problem. These problems have been around for years; therefore the public must put pressure on the policymakers to promote change. In order

As an oncologist at Grady Memorial, an inner-city hospital located in Atlanta, Dr. Brawley witnesses the disastrous effects of healthcare disparity first-hand. Healthcare disparities are vast differences in quality and access to care between socioeconomic classes. "health care disparities refer to differences in health and health care between population groups. Disparities occur across many dimensions, including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, location, gender, disability status, and sexual orientation "(KFF, 2016). As Brawley describes to us, Grady is a hospital that demonstrates health disparity at its worst. Brawley describes Grady as " a monument to racism, Racism is built into it, as is poverty, as is despair." (Brawley, 2011).

To obtain the necessary data to understand and eliminate health disparities, I would review a board array of data collection system from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). These systems include “health surveys, administrative enrollment and billing records and records from private data systems” (Perrin, 2004). These data collection systems are used to understand broad areas of determinant of health (e.g. the impact income have on mortality) while others are used to understand health outcomes (e.g. the effect of patient race/ethnicity on health outcomes with diabetes). I would focus only on race/ethnic, socioeconomic position, and language because I believe these to be important in understanding disparities in health and health

Tiffany, I liked both of your interventions aimed at increasing access of the Appalachians for health care. Other modes that would increase delivery of care to this rural population would be to use teleconferencing and telehealth, assisting with transportation, walk-in clinics, home visits and enacting clinic sites within these communities (Giger, 2013, p. 267). Also, removing the geographical barriers involve with health disparities associated with this group can be done effectively by using technology. The use of technology by videoconferencing is an alternative means that will help close the disparity gaps in health outcomes experienced by those living in rural areas (Sebesan et al., 2012, p. 264). Technology is part of our daily lives

Disparity in health care is found to be both bad and deadly. Disparity and discrimination in American health care has been going on for many years. This disparity is caused by race, culture, sex, and mental ability. Many disabled individuals also face difficulties as well. Discrimination in American health care results in poor health and death.

American Hospital Association Patient’s Bill of Rights The evolution of hospitals is the greatest thing that history has to offer. Today, many people depend on hospitals for their health, and they cannot imagine how life would be like without hospitals. The American Hospital Association advocates for the representation of non-profit hospitals in the United States.

Equality is the state of being equal, while equity is the state of being fair or impartial.  In terms of the video “A primer of Racial Ethnic Disparity in Health Care and Outcomes”, this would be the absence of disparity.   In healthcare the difference is that equality refers to equal access and availability of care while equity which relates to equal results and outcomes achieved.  In order for there to be equal outcomes increased resources and care may actually need to be given to a particular groups.  As Pappas (1997) discussed, “Residents of middle- and lower-income areas are more likely than residents of the wealthiest areas and Blacks are more likely than Whites to be hospitalized with conditions for which hospitalization is potentially

Very informative post Bonnie! No doubt, there is a shortage of primary care providers all over the United States and lack of insurance on top of that can make the conditions worse. In year 2006, the state of Massachusetts expand the insurance coverage of its population, but the healthcare workforce in unable to meet this high demand, which results in long waiting lists to see patients. The average time of getting on appointment with internist was 17 days in year 2005, which is increased to 31 days in year 2008, which increases both provider and patient frustration. This result in higher death and disease rates, higher disparity in health and higher emergency room visits. Many issues can be handled over the phone or via email, by a nurse or