Healthcare Participant Flashcards
What are health care disparities?
Preventable differences in health outcomes and access to care that are linked to social, economic, and environmental disadvantages.
What are the three major types of health disparities?
Access disparities – limited or no access to quality healthcare
Outcome disparities – higher rates of disease or death in certain populations
Treatment disparities – unequal or biased delivery of care
(Access to healthcare, higher death and disease rates, unequal treatment or biases)
What factors contribute to poor care in vulnerable populations?
Social determinants of health (the non-medical factors that influence a person’s health and well-being.)
Low health literacy
Cultural barriers
Systemic bias and discrimination
Lack of insurance or transportation
Understaffed or underfunded healthcare systems
Name five populations considered vulnerable to health disparities.
Low-income individuals
Racial and ethnic minorities
Immigrants (especially undocumented)
LGBTQ+ individuals
People with disabilities
Why do rural residents (like those in New Mexico) face greater health disparities?
Fewer healthcare facilities
Limited transportation
Shortage of providers
Geographic isolation
What are key risks faced by immigrants in accessing care?
Language barriers
Fear of deportation
Lack of familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system
Poverty and unstable housing
How does low health literacy contribute to disparities?
Increases medication errors
Lowers use of preventive services
Leads to poor chronic disease management
Results in more frequent hospitalizations
What is the PRAPARE tool used for in nursing practice?
To assess social determinants of health by collecting data on patients’ assets, risks, and experiences that impact health.
How can nurses ensure culturally appropriate education for low-literacy patients?
Use plain language
Provide materials in the patient’s preferred language
Use visual aids and the teach-back method
Avoid medical jargon
What is an example of a treatment disparity in pain management?
Minority patients often receive less pain medication or delayed pain management due to provider bias.
How does stigma affect veterans and mental health care?
Military culture promotes stoicism; veterans may avoid care due to fear of being judged or misunderstood.
What initiative sets national goals to reduce health disparities every 10 years?
Healthy People 2030
What federal standards guide culturally and linguistically appropriate services in healthcare?
CLAS Standards (Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services)
What communication strategies can nurses use to reduce care disparities?
Use professional interpreters
Speak slowly and clearly
Confirm understanding with teach-back
Avoid using family as translators
What specific actions can nurses take to reduce disparities in care delivery?
Perform thorough cultural and SDOH assessments
Advocate for inclusive policies
Educate using culturally adapted materials
Refer patients to community resources
What are the three levels of prevention in healthcare?
Primary Prevention – prevents disease before it occurs
Secondary Prevention – detects and treats disease early
Tertiary Prevention – manages disease after diagnosis to prevent complications
What is the goal of primary prevention?
To promote health and prevent the onset of disease by reducing exposure to risk factors.
What are common nursing interventions used in primary prevention?
Providing health education
Administering vaccines (e.g., flu, HPV)
Promoting healthy lifestyle habits (e.g., nutrition, exercise)
What are specific examples of primary prevention?
Immunizations
Teaching safe sex practices
Smoking cessation programs
Stress management workshops
What is the focus of secondary prevention?
Early detection and prompt intervention to limit disease progression or prevent complications.
What are common nursing roles in secondary prevention?
Conducting screenings
Monitoring risk factors
Providing early interventions and referrals
What are examples of secondary prevention activities?
Mammograms for breast cancer
Blood pressure checks for hypertension
Diabetes screenings
Depression screening in adolescents
What is the main goal of tertiary prevention?
To reduce disability, prevent further complications, and improve quality of life after diagnosis.
What are common tertiary prevention strategies nurses use?
Providing chronic disease education
Coordinating long-term care
Supporting rehabilitation and therapy