This is a research paper for my Master’s class in Applied Gerontology, where the specific class is on healthcare. The paper is to be written using a case study of a fictional town covered in the book “The Middleboro Casebook” Healthcare Strategy and Operations, authors: Lee F. Seidel and James B. Lewis (ISBN: 978-1-56793-628-5). The assignment of the paper is to answer the following question:
1-2 Note the statement, “The healthcare system and HCOs are expected to give more attention in the future to population health and healthy communities” (p. 12). Using Case I The Community, indicate the most significant disparities in health and health care faced within Hillsboro County and assign (with rationale) one specific disparity to each of the healthcare organizations described in the Middleboro Casebook.
Here are the detailed notes of what the paper should cover, as given to me via correspondence with my instructor:
Healthcare disparities refer to differences in access to or availability of facilities and services. Health status disparities refer to the variation in rates of disease occurrence and disabilities between socioeconomic and/or geographically defined population groups.
No Abstract required. When you write the paper, spend a portion of it defining and describing health disparities in the US before you focus on Middleboro. Streamline your discussion to focus only on the general view of health disparities and then hone in on Middleboro. Describe the issues facing the people that live there economically, socially, educationally and functionally. Then write a paragraph about each provider organization and highlight its strengths and weaknesses in meeting the needs of the citizens of Middleboro. Conclude with a summary of gaps in health care service delivery that you have identified. Does Middleboro need any other kinds of providers?
https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Disparities
https://medlineplus.gov/healthdisparities.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2857600/
Look at these definitions of health disparities and then consider only those aspects of the community that impact access to health care services or identify gaps in health care not met by the existing health care organizations. You have a high proportion of people below the poverty level who can’t afford care. The union will have control of health care access to a degree. Employers would rather pay fines than meet their obligation under the affordable care act. What do different population groups in the community need and which provider can meet that need? Can it fully meet the need or are there gaps in services? See what I mean?
OK, I think I’m seeing this now. I totally missed the correct definition of disparities.
Well, many of the disparities would be the ones you mentioned here:
Middleboro is a very poor town, lots of people below the poverty level
They are isolated in between a set of mountains
Transportation in and out of the town is not easy — and limited to a automobiles, buses and trains
This is a town where they are not open to tax increases to support healthcare needs
The local govt has been in place for many years and sentiment is not likely to change
The community is mostly focused on its local news, not open to the big “national” picture, including for healthcare, I would assume
There is a high percentage of residents 25+ years who did not complete high school
The main age group is 25-44, followed by the 45-64 age group
The main employers in town would rather pay fines than comply with ACA
The unions may end up with control over the healthcare of the residents
The local govt is trying to block the construction of 3 group homes for developmentally disabled residents
The residents are annoyed by local funds paying for Medicaid-aided abortions
The community needs DO seem to be met by the HCOs in town, including hospitals, medical practices, (elderly) long-term care facilities
What about the need for health education? Vaccinations and public health services at an affordable cost? Disaster management? Rehab services or access to specialists?
List each provider and identify the disparities that it can address. See if you think any of the organizations have gaps in services as well.
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