Access to quality health care is so vitally important in not only eliminating, but decreasing the prevalence of health problems and fatalities. By providing health care for all types of people, there will in turn be an increase in the years of life and quality for individuals involved. Healthy people 2010 strives to make health care accessible to all Americans no matter what their insurance, background or situation. The public health systems work to education the under-served populations and prevent further health damages.
The public health system ensures there is funding for free and reduced price clinics. Currently I reside with my family in Anchorage Alaska. Anchorage has a large homeless population. According to one study at a local University, 0. 24% of the population in Alaska are homeless. This ranks at the 10th highest in the nation. With the homeless population as large as it is, the access to quality healthcare is diminished and often overlooked for these people. Although there are many shelters and free clinics throughout town, it is evident that is just not enough quality care for this population.
The main issue with the access to health care in Alaska is the actual wait to see a provider. While there is a few free clinics located throughout the city, they are often full and have to turn people away at the end of the day. The purpose of this paper is obviously to find a solution to the provided healthcare in Alaska. Watson’s Theory Dr. Jean Watson’s theory of human caring is based on many factors. The most important of all the factors is treating a patient holistically. This has top priority when it comes to Watson.
Health promotion through knowledge and education is very important in patient education and care for the patient. Watsons theory is based on the 10 carative factors. To incorporate these in to the community health setting it is important to treat the community on a whole, or holistically, trying to cover every angle. It is also very important to promote health by having health fairs, opening low income clinics and educating the general population on what they can do to improve their personal well being. It is very important to show a nurturing attitude towards the community.
Caring helps the curing process. By showing that one cares, he or she shows that they are genuinely concerned with the well being of the that individual or that community. Distribution of space available to live in can also be an important barrier to avoid when necessary. While there are many food pantries and public services available, many people are unaware of these. The services may include and are not limited to the food pantries, day care assistance, public housing, energy bill assistance and general welfare funds. These should be made known publicly to the community.
Educational opportunities can be found throughout the community along with many scholarship and grant opportunities available to those who are in need. The transmission of beliefs is made through different religious and education settings. The city is scattered with different denominations. Rules and standards are enforced through the local government. Health care standards are enforced through the local health care bureau. As Watsons theory suggests, education is often one of the best ways of getting through to the public. Possible community health nursing interventions and teaching strategies using Watson’s
By providing all Americans with access to the health care that they need at that particular time in their life will allow us to have healthier communities. Populations Affected Low income families and those who are homeless or jobless often have the greatest difficulty with trying to find quality care. Stereotyping is a factor that often exists within a community. The homeless population grows more vulnerable daily. They are often un insured and have many risks. It is often difficult for one to find a job, let alone have any insurance benefits. Another risk for this population is the rate of the mental health problems that exist.
The amount of public assistance offices located throughout the city does not even attempt to serve the amount of population that is in need of these services. It is evident that opening more of these offices in the areas that are in need is going to fulfill part of the watson theory as treating the community on a whole, holistically. To improve on this goal and to improve the access to health care for this general population it is necessary to increase the number of individuals with jobs, therefore increasing the number of individuals with insurance benefits.
It is also vitally important to increase the number of individuals who are counseled on healthy behaviors. This counseling should definitely start in elementary school but it is so important for public health departments and community health nurses to reach out to the community and educate. List the recommended priorities and strategies including tools, community agencies, and additional resources you would use to improve this issue.