Analysis of a Pertinent Healthcare Issue

Full Answer Section

• Strain on Healthcare Resources: The demand for healthcare professionals and facilities is outpacing the supply, particularly in geriatric care.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Chronic diseases can significantly reduce quality of life, leading to disability, pain, and emotional distress.
• Social Determinants of Health: Access to healthy food, safe environments, and social support plays a crucial role in chronic disease management, and disparities exist across socioeconomic groups.
• The need for preventative care: Many chronic diseases can be prevented, or the onset delayed, with proper preventative care.

Reflection on Colleague Feedback:

My colleagues' feedback on my discussion post highlighted several important points:

• Some colleagues emphasized the need to address the social determinants of health more comprehensively. They suggested exploring community-based interventions and policy changes to address these factors.
• Others pointed out the importance of leveraging technology, such as telehealth and remote patient monitoring, to improve access to care and enhance chronic disease management.
• Several colleagues brought up the importance of interdisciplinary care teams.
• There was also a concern about the increasing burden placed on family caregivers.

Identification and Review of Two Additional Scholarly Resources:

1. Resource 1: "The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Chronic Disease Management in Older Adults" (Journal of Geriatric Health, 2023).
   • This article examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors (income, education, housing) and chronic disease outcomes in older adults.
   • It provides evidence-based strategies for addressing social determinants of health through community-based interventions and policy changes.
   • This resource supports the colleagues feedback that social determinants of health are a key factor.
2. Resource 2: "Telehealth Interventions for Chronic Disease Management: A Systematic Review" (Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 2022).
   • This review synthesizes findings from multiple studies on the effectiveness of telehealth interventions for chronic disease management.
   • It highlights the potential of telehealth to improve access to care, enhance patient engagement, and reduce healthcare costs.
   • This resource supports the colleagues feedback that telehealth can be very helpful.

Integration of Resources and Feedback:

• The additional resources and colleague feedback reinforce the complexity of chronic disease management in an aging population.
• Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach that includes:
  • Integrating social determinants of health into clinical practice.
  • Expanding access to telehealth and remote patient monitoring.
  • Strengthening community-based programs.
  • Developing interdisciplinary care teams.
  • Supporting family caregivers.
  • Focusing on preventative care.
• By incorporating these strategies, we can improve the quality of life for older adults with chronic diseases and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

Key Considerations:

• The importance of a holistic approach to chronic disease management.
• The need for collaboration across healthcare sectors and community organizations.
• The role of technology in improving access to care and enhancing patient engagement.
• The importance of addressing health equity.

Sample Answer

Scenario:

Let's say the national healthcare issue I selected for study was "The Growing Burden of Chronic Disease Management in an Aging Population."

Reflection on the National Healthcare Issue/Stressor:

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, etc.) among an aging population poses a significant strain on the U.S. healthcare system. This issue is multifaceted, encompassing:

• Increased Healthcare Costs: Managing chronic conditions requires ongoing care, medications, and specialized services, leading to escalating healthcare expenditures.