BHA FPX 4000 Assessment 4 Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue

• BHA FPX 4000 Assessment 4: Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue

Analyzing a Current Health Care Problem or Issue

Limited access to healthcare remains a pressing concern for families living in rural, medically underserved areas of the United States. This issue stems from various factors, including discrimination, financial constraints, hospital closures, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Rural residents often face significant barriers to accessing adequate medical care, leading to preventable diseases, higher mortality rates, and strained healthcare resources (Hewitt & McNiesh, 2019).

This BHA FPX 4000 Assessment 4 focuses on understanding the challenges and proposing actionable solutions to ensure equitable healthcare access for rural communities. With improved healthcare accessibility, we can promote better health outcomes and reduce the disparities between rural and urban populations.

Explore BHA FPX 4000 Assessment 3 Applying Ethical Principles for more information.

Elements of the Problem

Accessibility and Affordability

Unequal access to healthcare in rural areas is largely driven by economic and logistical challenges (Coombs, Campbell, & Caringi, 2022). Many rural families are low-income or self-employed, often lacking adequate insurance coverage—or any coverage at all. High out-of-pocket costs deter preventive care, leaving residents at higher risk for undiagnosed conditions.

Distance and Healthcare Professional Shortages

Rural residents face longer travel distances for medical appointments due to hospital closures and the shortage of primary care physicians. Only 10% of U.S. physicians work in rural areas, even though these areas comprise 20% of the population (Hewitt & McNiesh, 2019). Rising gas prices and travel difficulties further exacerbate the problem, discouraging many from seeking care.

Impact of Discrimination and Stigma

Discrimination remains a significant barrier to healthcare access in rural areas. Factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and mental health status often influence the quality of care received. Stigmatization leads to discriminatory practices, perpetuating health disparities (Baldassarre et al., 2020). Bias, whether implicit or explicit, can result in inequitable treatment and a lack of specialized care for marginalized groups.

Analysis of the Issue

As a registered nurse in a rural community, I witness these disparities firsthand. Patients must travel long distances for speciality care, while local resources are often insufficient. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing government funding, recruiting healthcare professionals, and educating communities about the stigma surrounding rural healthcare.

Context for Limited Access to Healthcare

Hospital Closures

Hospital closures in rural areas leave communities with few or no healthcare options. These closures result in lost jobs and limited access to speciality services, forcing patients to seek care in urban centres. The lack of local treatment options leads to missed diagnoses, untreated conditions, and higher healthcare costs. Vulnerable populations, including low-income individuals and the elderly, are particularly affected by these challenges (Hewitt & McNiesh, 2019).

Economic Burden

The economic burden of limited healthcare access extends beyond medical costs. Preventable diseases and untreated conditions strain both individuals and the community as a whole. Routine care, immunizations, and preventive treatments are often delayed or skipped, compounding the problem.

Population Affected

The populations most affected by limited access to healthcare include:

• Elderly individuals: Often unable to travel long distances for care.
• Low-income families struggle to afford insurance or out-of-pocket costs.
• Minorities and marginalized groups: Face discrimination and inequitable care.
• Uninsured or underinsured individuals: Limited access to necessary treatments.

These groups face unique challenges, making it critical to develop targeted solutions.

Considering Options and Solutions

Ethical Considerations

Ethical principles must guide the solutions for addressing limited healthcare access.

• Autonomy: Patients should have the right to make informed decisions about their care.
• Beneficence: Prioritize the well-being of patients in underserved areas.
• Non-maleficence: Avoid harm by ensuring equitable care for all.
• Justice: Provide equal access to healthcare, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or location.

Proposed Solutions

1. Recruitment and Retention: Attract healthcare professionals to rural areas by offering incentives, loan repayment programs, and competitive salaries.
2. Community-Based Programs: Increase the use of nurse practitioners and telehealth services to expand access to care.
3. Infrastructure Development: To reduce travel burdens, invest in local healthcare infrastructure, including clinics and transportation services.
4. Education and Awareness: Address stigma and discrimination by training healthcare providers on cultural competence and implicit bias.

By integrating these solutions, we can work toward reducing disparities and improving healthcare access in rural communities.

Implementation

To address physician shortages, rural areas can utilize nurse practitioners to fill the gap. Local nurses can be encouraged to stay within their communities through scholarships, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives. Collaborative efforts from local governments, healthcare agencies, and community leaders are essential to implement these strategies effectively. Regular monitoring and assessment will ensure these solutions remain relevant and effective for underserved populations.

Conclusion

The BHA FPX 4000 Assessment 4 highlights the critical issue of limited healthcare access in rural communities. This problem disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, leading to higher mortality rates and economic stress. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach, including increased government funding, education to combat stigma, and targeted recruitment of healthcare professionals.

With sustained efforts and ethical decision-making, we can create a healthcare system that provides equitable access for all, ensuring better health outcomes and quality of life for rural residents.

References

Baldassarre, A., Giorgi, G., Alessio, F., Lulli, L. G., Arcangeli, G., & Mucci, N. (2020). Stigma and discrimination (SAD) at the time of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(17), 6341.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176341

Capella University. (n.d.-a.). Ethical decision-making model. https://media.capella.edu/CourseMedia/nhs4000element18816/wrapper.asp

Coombs, N. C., Campbell, D. G., & Caringi, J. (2022). A qualitative study of rural healthcare providers’ views of social, cultural, and programmatic barriers to healthcare access. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1).
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-07829-2

Hewitt, S., & McNiesh, S. (2019). Barriers to primary care access in rural medically underserved areas: Immediate care: A simple solution to a complex problem. Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 19(2), 127–155.
https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v19i2.582