Vulnerable Population Assessment: This part of the assignment is to analyze a vulnerable population within a selected community to identify health risks and disparities. Variables influencing the risk and disparity experienced by members of the vulnerable group will be identified, and correlation with national directives to address population health issues will be determined. Implications for advanced nursing practice and opportunities to advocate for the health of the vulnerable population will be presented.
- Include a succinct description of the vulnerable population identified, a minimum of three variables that place the population at risk, and the identified health risk(s) or disparity that the population is at risk of experiencing. Explain how relationships between each element:
- Vulnerable population
- Variables that place the vulnerable population at risk (minimum of three)
- Health risks and disparities for which the population is at risk (minimum of one)
- Identify one national population health goal or objective that relates to the identified risk or disparity (such as Healthy People or another national initiative). Propose one strategy for advanced nursing practice to collaborate at the local, state, and national level to advocate for the health of the vulnerable population and advance the Healthy People goal or objective that is identified.
a) Vulnerable Population Identified: The vulnerable population identified for this assessment is homeless individuals in a selected community. Homeless individuals face numerous challenges, including lack of stable housing, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate social support systems.
Variables Placing the Population at Risk:
- Socioeconomic Status: Homeless individuals often struggle with poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to resources, making it difficult for them to afford housing and healthcare services.
- Mental Health Issues: A significant number of homeless individuals experience mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, which can contribute to their homelessness and exacerbate health risks.
- Lack of Healthcare Access: Homeless individuals often face barriers to accessing healthcare services due to financial constraints, lack of health insurance, and limited availability of healthcare facilities in their communities.
Health Risks and Disparities: One of the primary health risks and disparities that homeless individuals face is the higher prevalence of chronic physical and mental health conditions. They are more susceptible to infectious diseases due to living in crowded conditions and lack of access to preventive measures like vaccinations. Mental health disorders often go untreated, leading to poor quality of life and increased risk of self-harm or suicide.
b) National Population Health Goal or Objective: One relevant national initiative is Healthy People 2030, which aims to improve the health and well-being of all individuals and communities. Within Healthy People 2030, a specific goal that relates to the identified risk or disparity for homeless individuals is “Objective HP2030-21: Reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness.”
Proposed Strategy for Advanced Nursing Practice: Advanced practice nurses play a crucial role in advocating for the health of vulnerable populations like the homeless. One strategy to collaborate at the local, state, and national levels is to establish and support interdisciplinary outreach programs for homeless individuals. This strategy involves the following steps:
- Local-Level Collaboration: Advanced practice nurses can work with local community organizations, shelters, and public health departments to identify homeless individuals in need of healthcare services. They can conduct health screenings, provide essential healthcare, and offer mental health counseling to address immediate health needs.
- State-Level Advocacy: Advanced practice nurses can join or form coalitions advocating for policies that address homelessness, affordable housing, and mental health services at the state level. By supporting funding and programs to address the root causes of homelessness, they can create long-term solutions for vulnerable populations.
- National-Level Engagement: Engaging with national organizations and policymakers is essential for systemic change. Advanced practice nurses can collaborate with national nursing associations and advocacy groups to push for policies that align with the objectives of Healthy People 2030 and focus on reducing homelessness and improving healthcare access for this population.
By collaborating at different levels and advocating for comprehensive solutions, advanced practice nurses can contribute significantly to advancing the Healthy People goal of reducing homelessness and improving the health outcomes of this vulnerable population.