Healthcare Inequity
Healthcare inequity refers to the gap between those who receive care they need and those who do not and that this difference is unfair (Artiga et al., 2020). The distinction between equity and equality refers to different approaches in healthcare. Equality involves providing the same resources and opportunities to everyone, and equity refers to how resources are allocated so as to have an equal outcome (health) for all (Lewis et al., 2021). For example, equality in healthcare means that everyone gets the same number of doctor visits, whereas equity means that people receive care proportional to their health needs.
The three most prevalent types of healthcare inequities are access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. Access to care varies among different socioeconomic groups, geographic locations, and racial and ethnic communities (Artiga et al., 2020). People living in rural areas often have less access to care due to the sparseness of the population; lower-income communities may struggle to afford necessary treatments or face the same lack of access due to the for-profit nature of healthcare. To address inequities, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can advocate for policy changes that would increase funding for rural health clinics or implement mobile health units to reach underserved areas, as these are two often discussed solutions (Artiga et al., 2020). Expanding telehealth services would be another possible strategy to improve access, since it helps with serving patients in remote locations.
The quality of care received by different populations is another issue of inequity. Minority groups and low-income patients tend to...
APRNs can spearhead initiatives to standardize care protocols across all demographics, so that every patient receives high-quality
treatment regardless of their background. Additionally, APRNs can train healthcare providers...
…2020).
Community engagement is another important aspect of the APRN's responsibility in addressing health inequities. APRNs can conduct community health assessments to identify some of the specific needs of the community and come up with appropriate interventions. They can collaborate with local organizations and work with community leaders to design health education programs that resonate with the local population, that address specific health risks and that promote healthy lifestyles (Artiga et al., 2020).
Understanding equity and equality, identifying key types of healthcare inequities, and applying the full scope of practice and adhering to the ethical standards of the APRN Code of Ethics will all be important steps in achieving health equity. APRNs should be leaders in this process, since they have the training, skills, standards, and mandate to do it. They can lead in policy advocacy, education, and community engagement, and thus help to bring about a more equitable healthcare system, in which all patients of all populations receive the…
