NR341 EDAPT WEEK 1
Health Disparities and Access to Quality Healthcare
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2017) defines health disparities as
“preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or in opportunities to achieve
optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged racial, ethnic, and other population groups,
and communities”
Because of these barriers, these groups can experience a disproportionate amount of disease,
disability, and death.
The following factors impact health disparities:
•People with low-income levels have decreased access to health insurance.
•People with lower education levels have decreased access to healthcare related to
the ability to obtain jobs that offer healthcare coverage.
•Males are more likely to be treated for cardiac conditions compared to women,
regardless of risk factors.
•Black and Latino children are more likely to be hospitalized with asthma
complications compared to white children.
•People who identify themselves as sexual and gender minorities have an increased risk
of mental health issues and victimization.
•People with disabilities are at increased risk for neglect, including medical care, and
are at risk for depression related to isolation and self-esteem.
•Rural areas have decreased access to healthcare due to the distance required to get
to healthcare practitioners and the lack of reliable public transportation.
•Immigrants have decreased access to safe housing.
Resolving an Ethical Dilemma
1. Ask the question, “Is this an ethical dilemma?”
Yes, staff were unprepared to handle the overwhelming number of clients and faced with the
need to decide who should be admitted. Although previous public health crises, such as seasonal
influenza peaks, had occurred, none were as severe as the initial waves of clients being infected
with COVID-19.
2. Gather information relevant to the case.
Client, family, institutional, and social perspectives are important sources of relevant
information.
Overwhelming number of people require intensive care unit (ICU) beds.
•There is a shortage of ICU beds
