Consumer Informatics/ Telehealth Case Study
Examine concepts such as equity, respect, self-determinism, health literacy, cyclic disadvantage, and healthcare disparities among marginalized populations or groups and how they affect patient outcomes.
Healthcare disparities are the differences in access to healthcare resources and outcomes of health that exist due to the patients’ race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (Conway & Satin, 2022). Disparities are caused by environmental, social, and economic factors that lead to barriers to accessing healthcare, lack of adequate resources, and inadequate health literacy (Conway & Satin, 2022).
Equity entails the fair distribution of services and healthcare resources to all persons, regardless of their backgrounds (Liburd et al., 2020). It is essential in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting equity in health. Self-determination and respect must also be factored in when providing marginalized populations with healthcare services.
Clients should be handled with respect, dignity, and empathy, and should make informed decisions on their care. Many marginalized people lack adequate knowledge about their health. A lack of information about health concepts may lead to patients not seeking healthcare services when needed (Nutbeam & Lloyd, 2020). A comprehensive approach that addresses social determinants of health, promotion of self-determination, respect and equity should be adopted to address the healthcare disparities. All individuals should be provided equal healthcare regardless of their background.
Compare and contrast how each patient in the video may benefit from telehealth services and the ethical considerations from the viewpoint of the nurse.
Because of the long distance from the hospital, Mr. Kasich can benefit from telehealth. The telemonitoring machine can help monitor the patient’s status, and the physicians can use telehealth to relay information to him about self-care. This way, he does not need to visit the hospital physically. The chronic conditions of the patient require that he is put under frequent monitoring of the vital signs so that deviations from the baseline are noted early, and interventions are put in place before he develops complications.
The patient is eligible for continuous glucose monitoring, enabling him to keep his blood glucose in check and report the findings to the healthcare givers who can provide further guidance. Mr. Lane will also benefit from telehealth as he spends much of his time at work. He cannot visit healthcare facilities as he is on the move when he needs the care. Telehealth can help him stay in touch with his caregivers without having to visit the hospital physically, allowing him not to miss work.
Propose barriers that must be removed to achieve well-being, sufficiency, and healthcare access for all.
The lack of insurance coverage for all populations must be addressed. When individuals lack insurance, they may be unable to meet the costs incurred when they access health, making them shy away from visiting healthcare facilities when they need care (Hojat, 2022). Lack of transportation to and from the facilities may cause some people not to attend appointments despite needing medical attention.
The hospitals should carry out clinics in community settings in places far away from the hospital to ensure that all persons in need of healthcare are given essential services (Hojat, 2022). The stigma and discrimination facing marginalized populations must be addressed, as they affect these individuals emotionally and lead them not to seek healthcare services. The cost of healthcare, especially in the medications for chronic conditions, should be addressed to ensure that people with multiple comorbidities can afford the medicines prescribed.
References
- Conway, A., & Satin, D. (2022). The role of pay-for-performance in reducing healthcare disparities: A narrative literature review. Preventive Medicine, 107274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107274
- Hojat, L. S. (2022). Breaking down the barriers to health equity. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, 9, 204993612210794. https://doi.org/10.1177/20499361221079453
- Liburd, L. C., Hall, J. E., Mpofu, J. J., Marshall Williams, S., Bouye, K., & Penman-Aguilar, A. (2020). Addressing health equity in public health practice: Frameworks, promising strategies, and measurement considerations. Annual Review of Public Health, 41. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040119-094119
- Nutbeam, D., & Lloyd, J. E. (2020). Understanding and responding to health literacy as a social determinant of health. Annual Review of Public Health, 42(1), 159–173. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090419-102529
Week 3 Consumer Informatics/Telehealth Case Study Instructions
The purpose of this discussion is for you to investigate telehealth and technology relationships to social justice principles.
Case Study Scenario
Watch the following video.
Consumer Informatics/Telehealth Case Study (1:55)
[MUSIC] Mr. Kasich is a 77-year old who was recently taken to the emergency room after he fell when trying to get out of bed. There, he was found to have a blood glucose level of 35 milligrams per deciliter and was diagnosed with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia despite many years of well-maintained the blood glucose levels. After further assessment, Mr. Kasich was transferred to a medical room in the hospital. His background includes diagnosed with type two diabetes mellitus, advanced congestive heart failure and lung cancer. Has Medicare parts A and B. Lives with wife in a remote area that is 40 miles from the closest healthcare provider. Is proficient using his home computer.
Mr. Lane is a 42-year old who was admitted for exacerbation of heart failure. His background includes has diabetes mellitus type two. Is a long-haul truck driver with a large trucking company. Is privately insured. Is single and primarily lives in his truck. Both Mr. Kasich and Mr. Lane are going home with telehealth consisting of a telemonitoring device that transmits weight, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and pulse oximetry to a remote telehealth nurse.
Even though the use of telehealth does not often include hands on interaction, the goal of keeping patients out of a hospital is consistent with quality nursing practice. Telehealth applications are designed to enhance the patient experience and improve clinical outcomes while providing care for patients in their home environment rather than an institutional setting. Telehealth supports self-care by empowering patients, which is a central tenet of nursing practice.
Instructions
Review the case scenario above and address the following:
- Examine concepts such as equity, respect, self-determinism, health literacy, cyclic disadvantage, and healthcare disparities among marginalized populations or groups and how they affect patient outcomes.
- Compare and contrast how each patient in the video may benefit from telehealth services and the ethical considerations from the viewpoint of the nurse.
- Propose barriers that must be removed to achieve well-being, sufficiency, and healthcare access for all.
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