...BURDEN OF HEALTH INEQUALITIES IN THE UNITED STATES Thomas A. LaVeist, Ph.D. Darrell J. Gaskin, Ph.D. Patrick Richard, Ph.D. September 2009 foreward Not everyone in the United States enjoys the same health opportunities. Studies show that minority Americans experience poorer than average health outcomes from cradle to the grave. They are much more likely to die as infants, have higher rates of diseases and disabilities, and have shorter life spans. As the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration work toward enactment of legislation to reform America’s health care system, a central focus of the debate has been the projected cost of ensuring accessible and affordable health care to every citizen. While some have struggled with the premise that health care reform can actually reduce health-related spending, the experience of racial and ethnic minorities under our current health care system is a strong indication that improving opportunities for good health – and minimizing inequities in health care access and outcomes – may well be good for the nation’s fiscal health, as well. This study, commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and carried out by leading researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, provides important insight into how much of a financial burden racial disparities are putting on our health care system and society at large. The researchers examined the direct costs associated with the provision of care to a sicker...
Words: 5709 - Pages: 23
...Three Abbreviated Research Plans Introduction This paper demonstrates research methods that are used in investigations of health disparities in the United States. Research is a process of investigating concepts and theories that will contribute to a scientific body of knowledge. When presented with a problem, researchers or healthcare specialist can use a quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods approach to solutions or explore avenues that might improve health, health outcomes and health services (Bowling, 2002). As health disparities grow in the United States and research is ongoing, three abbreviated research plans are presented as probable solutions to this concern targeting communities and populations that are underserved. Comparison and Evaluation of Strengths and Limitations of Research Methods Used in These Abbreviated Plans Research is an organized investigation to explain, describe, and control an observed phenomenon that involves inductive and deductive methods. Researchers will use a quantitative research design to verify that the research method used is valid and will produce accurate scientific results (Vidgen, n.d.). The strengths involved in using the quantitative research method can test and validate theories that have been already formed about why and how phenomena occur. Quantitative research allows the researcher to measure and analyze data that is précis which may help eliminate the influence of many variables and allow more reliable cause-and-effect...
Words: 4212 - Pages: 17
...Three Abbreviated Research Plans Introduction Public health practitioner, when presented with a crisis, problem, or circumstances in the community can use the different research methods, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. These advance plans of query explore not only potential clarification, but it explores different route that will conclude an exact treatment or intervention and influence an outcome. The three abbreviated research plans will be outlined in this paper, will provide possible clarification to the rising concerns in the U.S. on health disparities in to the people in the community that have limited or no health insurance that will prevent them from receiving adequate medication, health care, and the use of preventive measures such as diet and exercise (Walden, 2012). Strength and Limitation of Research Methods The two major strengths found in the quantitative research methods are that using the strategy of inquiry, the researcher have the chance to test and confirm presented theories about how and why incident happen and test theory assemble before the information is achieve to study a large number of people in a determined community or population (Creswell, 2009). The next strength of this research is that based on the findings, the investigator can make an overview when the composed information is based on casual samples of major size (Creswell, 2009). According to Creswell (2009), the strength for the qualitative methods is the data...
Words: 2719 - Pages: 11
...Provide an introduction. The United States (U.S.), health disparities report to be a continuance area of focus among racial, ethnical, and physical disabilities groups than any others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Health disparities affected the social and environmental attributes to the sickness of a population (CDC, 2014). More than ever, effort are being made to target the fundamental causes of health disparities in the U.S. One of the underlining causes of health disparities is the lack of access to medical and preventative services. In the U.S. access to adequate medical services, require health insurance coverages in which 42.0 million that of 13.4% of the U.S. population without coverage (United States...
Words: 308 - Pages: 2
...HLT 205 Week 6 Topic 6 Discussion 1 Define health care disparities. Where and how do they exist? Identify at least three contributing factors. How could we change this? Make sure to use a reference to support your response. HLT 205 Week 6 Topic 6 Discussion 2 Describe the historical aspects and methods for identifying underserved populations. Discuss how you would improve these methods, track a population’s progression, and/or determine whether a population is no longer underserved. HLT 205 Week 6 Assignment Benchmark Assignment: Disparity Analysis Chart Details: This is a benchmark assignment. As a health care professional, it is important not only to be aware of underserved populations but the similarities and differences among these populations. In this assignment, you will create a chart in Microsoft Word that profiles two minority populations, which can be selected from the options on the Office of Minority Health (OMH) website: The Office of Minority Health The Office of Minority Health The Office of Minority Health http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=26 Your profile for each population needs to contain information for the following categories: 1. Demographics: How large is the group’s population size within the United States? What is the age range that comprises the largest segment of the population? 2. Cultural Norms: Lifestyle and diet habits that may have a significant impact on health. 3. Religious and Spiritual Beliefs: Are there...
Words: 1945 - Pages: 8
...Performance Measures An intensive care unit (ICU), also referred to as a critical care unit, is a healthcare operating unit that treats persons who have been inflicted with life-threatening injuries and illnesses. Patients in an intensive care unit are observed closely by specially trained health care providers. Problems that are treated range from accidents to severe breathing problems. Patients are normally exposed to monitors, intravenous (IV) tubs, feeding tubes, catheters, and breathing machines. These particular items are used to extend a patient’s life, but infection risk can become common also. In an intensive care unit, many patients recover and are moved to a regular hospital room to receive care. Death is a common outcome for patients in an intensive care unit. If a patient’s family and health care providers have to make end-of-life decisions, advance directives will help the individuals come to a final decision (“Critical Care“). In the article “The Competitiveness and Balanced Scorecard of Health Care Companies,” the balanced scorecard has become an idea that has become influential to the business aspect. A balanced scorecard measures employee knowledge, relationship with customers, cultures of innovation, and change generated success. Many businesses has improved their performance by improving processes and becoming more competitive in the market (Mavlutova, Babauska, 2013). In the article “Pabon Lasso and Data Envelopment Analysis: A Complementary Approach to Hospital...
Words: 1160 - Pages: 5
...Healthcare Disparity Theresa Sellers Southwestern Oklahoma University LGBT Healthcare Disparity INTRODUCTION There is an increasing progress being made in the equal right of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) community. Fifteen of the states now recognize at least some of the same rights to same sex couples that are given to heterosexual couples (Krehley, 2009). Despite the progress that has been made, the LGBT population continues to experience worse health outcomes due to poor health insurance coverage, higher rates of stress due to discrimination and cultural incompetency (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health, 2012). Same sex marriage laws and domestic partnership benefits increase the burden of health care costs. A recent study of period in disparities in health insurance coverage of same-sex couples revealed that partnered gay men are less likely (42 percent) as married heterosexual men to get employer-sponsored dependent coverage, and partnered lesbians have an even slimmer chance (28 percent) of getting dependent coverage compared to married heterosexual women. As a result of these much lower rates of employer-provided coverage, partnered lesbians and gay men are more than twice as likely to be uninsured as married heterosexuals. The exclusion of insurance benefits for gay men and women and the failure of domestic partnership benefits to provide equal access to health coverage results into more health spending push...
Words: 1079 - Pages: 5
...Phillip J. Davenporte, M.B.A. MBA 5652 Research Methods Unit III Assignment For this assignment, review at least five articles according to the following instructions: • Using the criteria for “Judging a Research Study” on pages 258 and 259 of your textbook, evaluate at least five or more research articles. • Answer Questions 1 and 2 for all five articles. • Answer two questions from each of the remaining sections of the criteria questions for all five sources (14 questions for a total of 16 questions per source). • Include an APA references list for all five (or more) sources. A. “The Case for diversity in the health care workforce” 1. How Closely is the literature reviewed in the study related to the previous literature? In the first half of the study, the literature reviewed was not as closely related to the previous literature studied. The first half of the paper was used to set the contextual parameters of the study and to explain the basic epidemiology and rationale for the study. The second part of the paper was more closely aligned with previous literature reviewed. The information dealt directly with the research topic and the supporting literature and referenced articles dealt exclusively with the topic at hand. 2. Is the review recent? Are there any outstanding references you know about that were left out? I would consider this review to be relatively recent. The data contained in this research paper and the related referenced articles...
Words: 7092 - Pages: 29
...Trends Paper Demographic trends reveal developments and changes in human population. More specifically, demographic trends relate to changes in a population’s age, educational attainment, and health. Business leaders, marketers, and advertisers can glean valuable insight from demographic trends. For example, a geographical location might experience a shift in migration patterns. Without understanding demographic trends for the area, businesses could make decisions on a customer segment based on conjecture. Evaluating demographic trends for the area, however, might reveal that there’s a change in the population’s average age, employment status, income, or wealth all of which would help businesses better target its customers and prospects. This can yield additional insight such as trends in a population’s socioeconomic status, life stage, and lifestyle. Socioeconomic status is determined by measuring income, education, occupation, and wealth of an individual or a family. Life stage is based on an individual’s age, family status, and relationships. Lifestyle is determined by education, activities, interests, opinions, socioeconomic status, and life stage. All of these characteristics are helpful to businesses as they are valuable predictors of consumer spending trends. Evaluating customers’ and prospects’ demographic trends, business decision-makers can identify changing needs in the marketplace and adjust to them. Demographic trends can also help organizations spot future...
Words: 750 - Pages: 3
...Introduction A concept analysis is written in order to clearly define a selected topic and provide understanding of its uses, attributes and how it will relate to a certain field. The goal of this paper is to convey the conceptual meaning of rurality as it relates to oral health and its impact on advanced practice nursing. Purpose The purpose if this concept analysis is to present a theoretical understanding of oral health among rural populations. Despite important links between oral health and general health, oral diseases are common and public health and prevention efforts aimed to improving oral health have lagged prevention efforts. Research shows that the key to improving oral health is through preventative care and early treatments. However, many individuals within rural communities do not have access to preventive programs and early treatment; whether it is due to financial burden, uninsured, distance to treatment, lower rates of water fluoridation or poor access to care providers. People who have the least access to preventive services and dental treatment have greater rates of oral diseases (“Oral Health”, 2013). Evidence In 2000, the United States Surgeon General’s report on “Oral Health in America” defined oral health broadly, emphasizing that oral health is “integral to general health; oral health means more than healthy teeth and that you cannot be healthy without oral health.” The World Health Organization defines oral health as “a state of being free from...
Words: 1351 - Pages: 6
...Analysis of Contemporary Health Care Issue National health care expenses in the United States have been on the rise more rapidly than the national financial system for countless years, however several United States citizens are still lacking adequate health care. Sadly, health care spending is only going to rise and many people in the United States may have to make complicated decisions involving health care and additional responsibilities in their everyday lives if we do not start to reform. By reforming, it is hoped that America will see an increase to high-quality, affordable health care for all. Not only are private sector insurances enduring challenges due to health care spending, but Medicaid and Medicare are also. The Health Care Reform Act is hoping to drive down the cost or at least maintain the cost of health care spending. The reform is hoping to offer a delivery system that works better for clinicians and provider organizations by reducing their administrative burdens and helping them collaborate to improve care. The achievement of this reform will hopefully lead to assessable development in outcomes of care, and in the general health of the American people. Profit/Non-profit Although the provision of health services is dominated by not-for-profit organizations, there are many for-profit organizations as well that are affected by health care spending. With the National Health Care Reform Act, both profit and non-profit organizations could see a boost in...
Words: 1722 - Pages: 7
...Challenges Facing Health Care in the United States Liz M. Santiago Dr. Watson HSA 500 March 11, 2012 Identify and describe at least three of the most difficult issues facing health care in the United States today. Our health care system is complex in the way it is setup and the way it operates. There are many key issues that face the health care system in the United States today. Three of the most difficult issues include diseases, health disparities and paying for health care. As we are capable of preventing diseases through preventive medicine and advanced technology, the mortality rate of the United States will continue to decline. Although this may be true, macro trends such as illnesses, diseases, injuries, and population groups are of concern. “Differential morbidity and mortality between men and women, among different ethnic groups, in different age groups within the population, by geographic region, and in other important population comparisons raise red flags about our limited successes for certain populations, and the challenges that we face” (Torrens & Williams, 2009). Health concerns such as hypertension, obesity, injuries and chronic diseases surround individuals in the United States today, regardless of their race, gender, income status or geographical location. Although a steady income, health insurance and access to care may exist for some individuals across the United States, health disparities are still clearly...
Words: 1293 - Pages: 6
...campaign, President Obama argued for health care reform by saying that health care is a right. In the outcome of healthcare reform, Americans ask the question; how can we pay for healthcare reform? This is a continuous debate on the Senate floor, and American politicians have many differences and if not solved it will continue to hinder the progress of healthcare reform. Both republicans and democrats are at debate over quality of healthcare. Many think American government is trying to take over. Health care is an incredibly intense industry. Every patient contact, care experience, and outcome must be documented in an accurate way. Accrediting bodies such as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations review documentation to assess compliance with standards of care for a quality assurance. If a hospital is not accredited by Joint Commission Accreditation Healthcare organization it cannot receive healthcare which means healthcare record keeping is crucial. Patient record keeping is complex and complicated. Methods of organizing patient information require teamwork and the ability to track patient encounters from the time the patient is admitted until the patient is discharged. Healthcare quality may be defined in many diverse ways with differing implications for healthcare providers, providers, patients, third party payers policy makers, and other stakeholders. First high quality health services should accomplish desired health outcomes for individuals, matching...
Words: 995 - Pages: 4
...Assignment 4 The Influence of Health Policies and the Future of Health Care in the U.S. Based on the changing environment, as well as demographics in 21st Century America, there are many burgeoning issues and hurdles the U.S. Health Care System faces. As part of the preparation for your assignment, view the video titled “Health Care Issues and Problems in USA” (7 min 36 s). Write a four to five (4-5) page paper in which you: 1.Based on the video, analyze the main points presented by the narrator concerning issues and problems inherent in overall health care in the U.S. 2.Ascertain whether the narrator’s views are in sync with your opinion of 21st Century U.S. health care. Provide support for your rationale. 3.Provide a financial rationale for following the current U.S. health care policies. Discuss your position in which you highlight, at a minimum, economic and ethical considerations. 4.Reflecting upon the material covered in this course, outline a five (5) stage plan which articulates the main ways in which you would improve the present U.S. health care system. Introduction Our health care system is complex in the way it is setup and the way it operates. There are many key issues that face the health care system in the United States today. Three of the most difficult issues include diseases, health disparities and paying for health care. As we are capable of preventing diseases through preventive medicine and advanced technology, the mortality rate of the United States...
Words: 1444 - Pages: 6
...Racial Disparity in U.S. Diagnoses of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, 2000 –2009 Qian An, MS, Joseph Prejean, PhD, H. Irene Hall, PhD This activity is available for CME credit. See page A3 for information. Background: Increased attention has been focused on health disparities among racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. Purpose: To assess the extent of progress toward meeting the targets of Healthy People 2010 objectives and eliminating disparities. Methods: All diagnoses of AIDS during 2000 –2009 among people aged Ն13 years in the 50 states and District of Columbia, reported to national HIV surveillance through June 2010, together with census population data were used in this analysis (conducted in March 2011). This study assesses the trend in racial/ethnic disparities in rates of AIDS diagnoses both between particular groups using rate difference (RD) and rate ratio (RR) and across the entire range of racial/ethnic subgroups using three summary measures of disparity: between-group variance (BGV); Theil index (TI); and mean log deviation (MLD). Results: The overall racial/ethnic disparity, black–white disparity, and Hispanic–white disparity in rates of AIDS diagnoses decreased for those aged 25– 64 years from 2000 to 2009. The black–white and Hispanic–white disparity in rates of AIDS diagnoses also decreased among men aged Ն65 years; however, the black–white disparity increased among young men aged 13–24 years (BGV: pϽ0.001, black–white RD: pϽ0.01) from...
Words: 5456 - Pages: 22
