Factors that Contribute to an Individual’s Overall Health

Population Health Nursing week 4 discussion

For this week’s discussion, we will further expand on factors that contribute to an individual’s and the community’s overall health. Based on the readings, videos and prior course content, please answer the following prompts:

• Discuss the impact of culture beliefs regarding health and illness societal values and access to health care have on health outcomes.
• What are some interventions you can implement in the clinical setting to ensure that a client’s culture, beliefs, values, and access to care are incorporated into their care as much as possible?
• Use this week as an opportunity to apply this content in practice in an effort to achieve the outcome of providing patient-centered care. Find an opportunity to assess a client’s culture, beliefs, values, and access to care (or, if not currently practicing in direct-patient care, you can assess these with a co-worker or someone in your community). You can also reflect on a previous experience in practice (particularly in your replies to peers).

Note: I am currently practicing in direct patient care.

Use APA 7th edition format, including references and in text citations.

Impact of Culture, Beliefs, Societal Values, and Access to Health Care on Health Outcomes

Culture, beliefs, societal values, and access to healthcare significantly influence health outcomes at both individual and community levels.

Culture and beliefs play a crucial role in shaping individuals’ perceptions of health and illness. Cultural norms dictate behaviors related to health practices, illness prevention, and treatment-seeking behaviors. For instance, some cultures may prioritize traditional healing practices over Western medicine, impacting health-seeking behaviors and treatment adherence. Similarly, beliefs regarding the causes of illness, such as spiritual or supernatural factors, can influence treatment preferences and health outcomes.

Societal values also play a role in health outcomes by influencing healthcare policies, resource allocation, and social determinants of health. Societies that prioritize equitable access to healthcare and social support systems tend to have better health outcomes compared to those with disparities in access and resources.

Access to healthcare services is a critical determinant of health outcomes. Limited access to healthcare, whether due to geographical barriers, financial constraints, or cultural barriers, can result in delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes. Disparities in access to care exacerbate existing health inequities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

Interventions to Incorporate Culture, Beliefs, Values, and Access to Care in Clinical Settings

To ensure that a client’s culture, beliefs, values, and access to care are incorporated into their care, healthcare providers can implement several interventions:

1. Cultural Competence Training: Healthcare providers should undergo cultural competence training to understand diverse cultural perspectives on health and illness. This training helps providers recognize and respect cultural differences, communicate effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, and adapt care plans accordingly.
2. Patient-Centered Care Approach: Adopting a patient-centered care approach involves actively involving patients in decision-making regarding their care. Providers should elicit patients’ beliefs, values, and preferences regarding health and treatment options, ensuring that care plans align with patients’ cultural and personal preferences.
3. Interpreter Services: For patients with limited English proficiency or from non-English-speaking backgrounds, healthcare facilities should provide interpreter services to facilitate effective communication between patients and providers. Language barriers should not impede patients’ access to quality care.
4. Cultural Assessment Tools: Utilize culturally sensitive assessment tools to gather information about patients’ cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values. These tools help providers tailor care plans to meet the unique needs of each patient.
5. Collaboration with Community Resources: Partnering with community organizations and resources can help improve access to care for underserved populations. Healthcare providers can refer patients to community-based organizations that offer culturally appropriate services and support.

Application in Practice

In my current practice in direct patient care, I regularly assess patients’ cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and access to care to provide patient-centered care. Recently, I encountered a patient from a culturally diverse background who expressed reluctance to follow the prescribed treatment plan due to conflicting cultural beliefs. I took the time to engage in open dialogue with the patient, acknowledging and respecting their cultural beliefs while providing education about the importance of adhering to medical recommendations. Additionally, I collaborated with interpreters and cultural liaisons to ensure effective communication and facilitate the patient’s access to necessary resources and support services.

Through these interventions, I aim to promote culturally competent care and address the diverse needs of patients, ultimately striving to improve health outcomes and promote patient well-being.

References:

1. Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Park, E. R. (2005). Cultural competence and health care disparities: key perspectives and trends. Health Affairs, 24(2), 499-505.
2. Saha, S., Beach, M. C., & Cooper, L. A. (2008). Patient centeredness, cultural competence and healthcare quality. Journal of the National Medical Association, 100(11), 1275-1285.