Patient-Centred Care and Health Outcomes

Patient-Centred Care and Health Outcomes

This reflective study examines the article “Explaining racial-ethnic Differences in Hypertension and diabetes control among Veterans Before and after Patient-centered Medical Home Implementation.” In addition, it investigates the critical relationship between patient-centered treatment and health outcomes, emphasizing hypertension and diabetes control in veterans. Following this, this paper examines the author’s perspectives on health inequalities, the techniques recommended to address these disparities, and how these insights correspond to my beliefs and activities.

How the Authors’ Views Relate to Current Health Disparities

The authors present a comprehensive analysis of health disparities among veterans, focusing on hypertension and diabetes control, in their article “Explaining racial-ethnic differences in hypertension and diabetes control among veterans before and after patient-centered medical home implementation.” Their perspectives on current health disparities are that, despite the implementation of patient-centered medical homes (PCMH), which are intended to improve healthcare access and quality, racial-ethnic disparities in chronic disease control persist within the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) system, particularly for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients. The multidimensional nature of health inequalities is influenced by factors other than typical clinical assessments, such as social determinants of health and potential discrimination (Braveman, 2023). Their findings highlight the complexities of addressing and eradicating health disparities, implying that simply increasing access to care, as indicated by PCMH, may not be enough to close these gaps. Instead, they propose that initiatives target the reduction of racial-ethnic disparities and consider minority communities’ differing healthcare and community experiences.

The author’s analysis provides a critical viewpoint on the effectiveness of healthcare delivery paradigms such as PCMH in reducing health disparities. Their findings emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying causes of inequalities and advising that interventions should go beyond clinical variables to address social determinants and potential systemic biases. The authors shed light on the persistent challenges in achieving equitable healthcare outcomes by examining the contribution of explained versus unexplained factors to health disparities, emphasizing that unexplained differences may be linked to discrimination and differential experiences within the healthcare system and communities. Overall, the writers’ perspectives underline the significance of a comprehensive strategy for addressing health disparities, considering the complex interplay of clinical, social, and structural determinants.

What the Authors Pose as Ways to Potentially Reduce Health Disparities

In their article, the authors propose many potential solutions to eliminate health inequities, notably in the context of chronic disease control within the Veteran Health Administration (VHA) system. Implementing targeted treatments that expressly address racial-ethnic inequality is one significant recommendation. A one-size-fits-all approach, such as setting up patient-centered medical homes (PCMH), may not bridge the gap; instead, therapies should be tailored to the unique needs and challenges of various racial and ethnic groups (Leung et al., 2020). This strategy entails creating culturally appropriate healthcare initiatives, outreach efforts, and support networks to engage minority groups in chronic condition management better.

Furthermore, the authors stress the significance of addressing social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic position, access to education, and neighborhood surroundings, which all play a role in contributing to health disparities. Following this, healthcare organizations such as the VHA work with community-based organizations to address the broader determinants influencing health outcomes (Brennan et al., 2022). Furthermore, the authors advocate for thorough evaluation and continual monitoring of healthcare programs and initiatives to guarantee that disparities are effectively reduced. Overall, their proposals underscore the importance of a holistic, diverse approach to healthcare that includes clinical and social factors to achieve substantial progress in eliminating health disparities.

How My Perceptions, Actions, or Beliefs Align with those of the Author(S)

My thoughts are consistent with the authors’, as I value fair access to healthcare services and appreciate the importance of personalized interventions to alleviate health inequities. I agree that one-size-fits-all methods may fail to overcome the gap in healthcare outcomes between different racial and ethnic groups. I also emphasize the significance of socioeconomic determinants of health, such as poverty and education, in resolving inequities. Furthermore, I advocate for policies and activities that reduce systemic barriers to healthcare access while encouraging culturally sensitive care. Consequently, collaboration between healthcare systems and community organizations is essential for developing holistic solutions beyond the clinical setting. Finally, I agree with the authors on the importance of tackling health inequalities through a multidimensional, equitable, and data-informed approach that considers both clinical and social determinants of health.

Conclusion

The article emphasizes the significance of patient-centered treatment in addressing and potentially lowering health inequities, particularly among veterans with hypertension and diabetes. The author’s perspectives shed light on the potential for patient-centered medical homes to enhance health outcomes for various groups. The paper coincides with my view on the transformative impact of patient-centered approaches by emphasizing comprehensive treatment, excellent patient-provider communication, and the importance of technology in healthcare delivery. Furthermore, the emphasis on reducing inequities through data-driven interventions and proactive patient participation is consistent with my belief that healthcare should be egalitarian and accessible to all. This article reaffirms the importance of patient-centered care in achieving health equity. It also emphasizes the importance of continuing research and implementing such techniques to eliminate disparities in healthcare outcomes.

References

Braveman, P. (2023). The Social Determinants of Health and Health Disparities. Oxford University Press.

Brennan, L. A., Brady, J. E., Drummond, K. L., Wiltsey-Stirman, S., Gutner, C. A., & Iverson, K. M. (2022). Mental health clinician perspectives regarding factors impacting implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies in Veterans Health Administration community-based outpatient clinics. General Hospital Psychiatry, 75, 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2022.01.001

Leung, L. B., Steers, W. N., Hoggatt, K. J., & Washington, D. L. (2020). Explaining racial-ethnic differences in hypertension and diabetes control among veterans before and after patient-centered medical home implementation. PLOS ONE, 15(10), e0240306. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240306

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

---

For this assignment, you will be writing an APA-formatted reflection paper. A reflection paper is an opportunity for you to add your thoughts and analysis to something you have read. The objective is for you to demonstrate your understanding of the content and express in writing how it affects your own thoughts and ideas. Read and reflect on one of the articles listed below labelled “Reflective Paper Readings” and answer the following questions.

The following questions should guide your writing.
1) How are the authors’ views relative to current health disparities?
2) What do the authors pose as ways to potentially reduce health disparities?
3) How do your perceptions, actions, or beliefs align with those of the author(s)?
Your paper should be written following 7th ed. APA guidelines to include a title page, level one headings, and a Reference Page (the chosen article must be included, and other references [if applicable] should be included). Please avoid the use of quotes in this assignment. Please refer to the APA Resources module as needed.
This paper has a word count requirement of 750 – 1000 words.

Your paper will automatically be submitted to Turnitin and must have a similarity index of 25% or less. You are strongly encouraged to review the grading rubric prior to starting this assignment.

Reflective Paper Readings

• Differences in health care access and use by gender, race, income, age, and employment among residents of the rural South
Kegler, M. C. (2023). Differences in health care access and use by gender, race, income, age, and employment among residents of the rural South. Journal of Health Care for the Poor & Underserved, 34(1), 112–131. https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2023.0008

• Explaining racial-ethnic differences in hypertension and diabetes control among veterans before and after patient-centred medical home implementation
Leung, L. B., Steers, W. N., Hoggatt, K. J., & Washington, D. L. (2020). Explaining racial-ethnic differences in hypertension and diabetes control among veterans before and after patient-centred medical home implementation. PLoS ONE, 15(10), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0240306

• Addressing racial/ethnic inequities in maternal health through community-based social support services: A mixed methods study
West, R., DiMeo, A., Langer, A., Shah, N., & Molina, R. L. (2022). Addressing racial/ethnic inequities in maternal health through community-based social support services: A mixed methods study. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 26(4), 708–718. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-021-03363-5