NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 3 Letter to the Editor: Population Health Policy Advocacy
The Current State of Quality of Care and Gaps
I am writing to bring attention to the current state of quality of precaution and outcomes for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) population, specifically in rural areas. As a master’s prepared nurse, I have seen firsthand the struggles and challenges faced by individuals like Kevin Millard, a rural LGBTQ teen who was injured in a school bathroom fight, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by this vulnerable population. As a society, we have made progress in recognizing and protecting the rights of LGBTQ individuals. Yet, there is a lot to be done to ensure that they have access to high-quality healthcare and can live without fear of discrimination.
The data on health outcomes for LGBTQ individuals is sobering. According to the Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ youth are more likely to experience bullying and harassment, which can lead to mental health issues such as depression (Casey et al., 2022). A study from the Williams Institute found that suicide attempts of LGBTQ individuals exceeds non-LGBTQ individual by four times (Speer et al., 2022). Furthermore, research from the Center for American Progress has shown that LGBTQ individuals experience more poverty, leading to various other health issues (Ormiston, 2022).
NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 3 Letter to the Editor: Population Health Policy Advocacy
One way to address these disparities is through targeted policies and guidelines designed to improve outcomes and quality of care for LGBTQ individuals. (Rosenthal et al., 2021). Additionally, professional organizations such as the American Medical Association have issued guidelines to support the provision of affirming and culturally competent care for LGBTQ individuals (Dolotina & Turban, 2022).
Knowledge Gaps
Another critical area that should be addressed is the availability of data on the health of LGBTQ individuals. According to the National LGBTQ Task Force, data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity is often not included in healthcare surveys, making it difficult to fully understand and address the health needs of this population (Ramsey et al., 2022). This gap in knowledge needs to be filled through targeted research and data collection efforts.
The incident involving Kevin Millard serves as a stark reminder that we must do more to ensure that LGBTQ individuals have access to high-quality healthcare and can live without fear of discrimination. Targeted policies and guidelines and increased data collection are crucial steps in addressing the disparities faced by this population.
Area of Uncertainty
Interprofessional teams play a critical role in providing comprehensive care to patients, but without clear policies and guidelines on LGBTQ-inclusive care, team members may not have a shared understanding of how to effectively address the unique needs of this population. This uncertainty can lead to misunderstandings, biases, and discriminatory practices, further exacerbating the healthcare disparities faced by rural LGBTQ individuals.
Analysis of the Current State of Quality of Care and Areas of Ambiguity
The current quality of care and outcomes for LGBTQ individuals, explicitly concerning mental health, is a significant concern. Studies have shown that LGBTQ individuals have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide than their other gender and heterosexual counterparts (Kann et al., 2019). This is mainly due to the discrimination and stigma they face daily, including in healthcare settings.
One of the main barriers to accessing high-quality healthcare services for rural LGBTQ individuals is a shortage of culturally competent providers. This can lead to misunderstandings, biases, and discriminatory practices, which can further marginalize and marginalize this population (Liu & Yeo, 2022). In addition, the limited availability of specialized services, such as mental health and gender-affirming care, in rural areas can also create barriers for LGBTQ individuals who need these services (Loo et al., 2021). Furthermore, financial constraints can limit access to care for rural LGBTQ individuals who may have limited insurance coverage or may be unable to pay for services out of pocket.
NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 3 Letter to the Editor: Population Health Policy Advocacy
One another example is the lack of culturally competent care for transgender individuals. 28% of transgender individuals have reported that they experience discrimination in healthcare settings, as found in a study leading many to avoid seeking necessary medical care (Heck et al., 2022). This leads to poorer health outcomes and increases the financial burden on the healthcare system as untreated health issues become more severe. These issues highlight the need for health policy development and advocacy to address the specific needs of LGBTQ individuals. This includes mandating cultural competency training for healthcare providers, increasing funding for research on LGBTQ health, and implementing policies to address discrimination in healthcare settings.
Additionally, nurses play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and needs of LGBTQ individuals in healthcare. They should have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide proper care.
Why the Developed Policy is Vital for Improving the Quality-of-Care Outcomes
In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that the quality of care and outcomes for the LGBTQ population in the United States are in dire need of improvement. With the numerous studies demonstrating the negative impact of discrimination and marginalization on the LGBTQ population’s health outcomes, it is clear that there is a pressing need for health policy development and advocacy for this community. A well-developed policy would address these issues by increasing access to culturally competent care, reducing discrimination in healthcare settings, and increasing awareness and education about the specific health needs of the LGBTQ population (Malak et al., 2022).
However, it is essential to acknowledge that this field has areas of ambiguity and uncertainty. For example, there is a lack of data on the specific health needs of non-binary individuals, and more research is needed in this area. Despite these uncertainties, it is clear that a developed policy is vital in improving the quality of care and outcomes for the LGBTQ population. Nurses can play an essential role in advocating for and implementing policies within their institutions since they are vital members of any institute (Heck et al., 2022). Get complete
There may be a lack of clear policies and guidelines for interprofessional teams on how to address the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals, which can lead to misunderstandings, biases, and discriminatory practices (Drame et al., 2022). Additionally, there may be a lack of research and data on the specific health needs of the LGBTQ population, which can make it difficult to fully understand and address these needs. Addressing these areas of ambiguity and uncertainty requires continued efforts to educate and train healthcare providers, establish clear policies and procedures, and invest in research and advocacy initiatives aimed at improving the quality of care and outcomes for LGBTQ individuals (Sampson et al., 2022).
Interprofessional teams play a critical role in providing comprehensive care to patients, but without clear policies and guidelines on LGBTQ-inclusive care, team members may not have a shared understanding of how to effectively address the unique needs of this population. This uncertainty can lead to misunderstandings, biases, and discriminatory practices, further exacerbating the healthcare disparities faced by rural LGBTQ individuals (Sampson et al., 2022).
Why Policy Development is Vital in Care Settings and its Potential Challenges
Policy development is vital in care settings because it establishes guidelines and protocols for addressing specific issues in a target population. These policies help to ensure that all care team members are working towards the same goals and that the care provided is of high quality and evidence-based (Hughes et al., 2022).
Health policy development can help address the challenges and disparities the group faces. For example, many LGBTQ members do not feel comfortable disclosing their gender identity or sexual orientation to their healthcare provider, which can lead to inadequate or inappropriate care (Nilsson, 2022). A policy that addresses this issue by creating a safe and inclusive environment for LGBTQ patients can help improve care quality and outcomes.
There are also potential challenges to policy development in care settings. One of these challenges is the need for more consensus on the best approach to addressing a specific issue.
Challenges Policy Development in Care Settings
The development of policies and guidelines for LGBTQ healthcare can be challenging, particularly due to the need for consensus on the best approach to addressing a specific issue (Hughes et al., 2022). This can be due to a variety of reasons, including a lack of understanding of the unique needs and experiences of the LGBTQ population, conflicting opinions on the most effective strategies for addressing these needs, and resistance to change from some stakeholders (Deshields et al., 2021). Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that involves representatives from a wide range of disciplines and sectors, including healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and advocates.
How Interprofessional Policy Aspects Will Support Desired Outcomes
Policy development in care settings is vital as it helps to ensure that the best possible care is provided to patients and that they receive the support they need to achieve optimal health outcomes. Interprofessional policy aspects can support desired outcomes by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise from different healthcare disciplines. This can help to ensure that policies are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders and that they are informed by the best available evidence (Labrague et al., 2021). Additionally, interprofessional teams can provide the necessary support to implement and monitor policies, ensuring they remain effective over time.
Interprofessional teams are essential in providing the necessary support to implement and monitor policies related to LGBTQ healthcare. These teams bring together a diverse range of perspectives and expertise and can provide a comprehensive, coordinated approach to addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ individuals (Hughes et al., 2022). By working together, interprofessional teams can ensure that policies are implemented effectively and remain up-to-date over time. This can involve regular monitoring of policies and procedures, seeking feedback from stakeholders, and making necessary modifications to ensure that policies continue to meet the evolving needs of the LGBTQ population.
NURS FPX 6026 Assessment 3 Letter to the Editor: Population Health Policy Advocacy
However, policy development in the field of LGBTQ healthcare is a complex process that requires effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Interprofessional teams play a critical role in overcoming barriers to policy development and implementation by bringing together a diverse range of perspectives and expertise (Donohue et al., 2021). Through ongoing dialogue and collaboration, these teams can identify and overcome common challenges, such as a lack of understanding about the unique needs of the LGBTQ population, conflicting opinions on the most effective strategies for addressing these needs, and resistance to change from some stakeholders.
Conclusion
Policy development is vital in care settings as it helps to improve the quality of care and outcomes for a specific issue in a target population. The healthcare system, especially in the United States, is complex and multifaceted, and it is essential to have clear policies in place to guide the actions of healthcare professionals and ensure that patients receive the best possible care. Interprofessional policy aspects can support the desired outcomes by providing a comprehensive approach to care, addressing the various needs of patients, and encouraging collaboration among different healthcare disciplines
References
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