Week 3: Needs Assessment Provide an overview of the at-risk ✓ Solved

Provide an overview of the at-risk group you are investigating and its presence in your community. Provide any available demographic data. Why are you interested in studying this group?

Common sources of data include: US Census data, Chamber of Commerce, community libraries, social service agencies, US Department of Labor, the Department of Public Health and Department of Education.

Complete the following chart. Be as specific to your community (city or county) as possible.

Assessment Data for the At-risk Group

Environment/Living Arrangements

Access to Transportation

Financial considerations

Cultural/language barriers

Public perception of the group

Common health risks

Access to health and social services

Addressing Key Questions

  1. What are the primary health concerns for this group?

  2. How does the care provided to this population differ from the care provided to other populations?

  3. Explain how health inequalities impact healthcare access and delivery for this group.

  4. What impact does this underserved population have on the healthcare delivery systems in your area?

  5. How might this affect nursing practice?

Paper For Above Instructions

The at-risk group I am investigating is the homeless population in Los Angeles County, California. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), there were over 66,000 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2020, with a significant increase in numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The demographic data indicates that approximately 28% are women, and the majority are individuals of color, representing a diverse yet marginalized segment of our community (LAHSA, 2020). My interest in studying this group stems from the urgent need to address their health disparities and to advocate for more robust healthcare services tailored to their specific needs.

Assessment Data for the Homeless Population

Environment/Living Arrangements: The majority of individuals experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles live on the streets, in shelters, or in temporary accommodations. This environment significantly affects their health and well-being.

Access to Transportation: Many homeless individuals lack access to reliable transportation, which complicates their ability to access healthcare services, employment, and social services.

Financial Considerations: Financial instability is a defining characteristic of homelessness. Most individuals do not have a steady income and therefore cannot afford basic health services, medication, or even food and shelter.

Cultural/Language Barriers: A diverse population includes many immigrants and refugees who face cultural and language barriers that can obstruct access to services. This poses challenges in understanding health information and navigating the healthcare system (Chin et al., 2019).

Public Perception: There is a prevalent negative perception of homeless individuals in society, often associating them with crime or substance abuse, which can impact their self-esteem and willingness to seek help.

Common Health Risks: The health risks commonly faced by the homeless population include mental health issues, substance abuse, infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension (Barrow et al., 2018).

Access to Health and Social Services: Many homeless individuals face barriers in accessing health and social services, largely due to stigma, lack of insurance, and lack of transportation, resulting in inadequate support systems.

Primary Health Concerns

The primary health concerns for the homeless population include mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and communicable diseases. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (2021), individuals experiencing homelessness have a higher prevalence of mental health issues, with one in four suffering from serious mental illness.

Differential Care Provided to This Population

Care for the homeless population differs from other populations primarily due to the severity of their health issues and the social determinants of health that affect their lives. Unlike insured individuals who can access routine care, homeless individuals often seek emergency care only when health issues become critical (Hwang et al., 2011).

Impact of Health Inequalities

Health inequalities significantly hinder healthcare access and delivery to the homeless population. Their marginalized status contributes to systemic barriers, including lack of insurance, ineffective health communication, and inadequate outreach services, which further exacerbate their health disparities (Bach et al., 2018).

Impact on Healthcare Delivery Systems

The underserved homeless population places a considerable strain on healthcare delivery systems due to frequent emergency room visits and hospitalizations that result from untreated health issues. This burden detracts resources from other populations and can lead to inadequate care for everyone in the community (Kertesz et al., 2013).

Affect on Nursing Practice

The challenges experienced by the homeless population necessitate that nursing practice adapts to better meet their needs. Nurses must advocate for policy changes, provide culturally competent care, and engage with community organizations to create comprehensive solutions (Ellen et al., 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the unique barriers faced by the homeless population in Los Angeles is crucial for developing effective interventions and promoting health equity. By addressing these issues, we can improve healthcare access and outcomes for one of our most vulnerable communities.

References

  • Bach, P. B., et al. (2018). "Healthcare access for homeless individuals: A systematic review." Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.

  • Barrow, S. M., et al. (2018). "The health status of homeless individuals." American Journal of Public Health.

  • Chin, M. H., et al. (2019). "Cultural and linguistic barriers to healthcare access." Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice.

  • Ellen, J., et al. (2020). "The role of nursing in addressing health disparities." Nursing Outlook.

  • Hwang, S. W., et al. (2011). "Hospital utilization among homeless individuals." Journal of General Internal Medicine.

  • Kertesz, S. G., et al. (2013). "The impact of homelessness on healthcare delivery." International Journal of Health Services.

  • LAHSA (2020). “Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority: 2020 Homeless Count.” Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority.

  • National Alliance to End Homelessness. (2021). "The State of Homelessness in America." National Alliance to End Homelessness.