- Discuss the role of the APRN as an interdisciplinary collaborative partner in addressing health promotion at the community level:
- How can you incorporate what you’ve learned NOW in your current role?
- How can you imagine engaging with community health in your role as an APRN?
- Research one of the policies you identified in your CHNA report. Describe this in more detail and how it could impact health equity in your community.
- How could this policy impact the SDOH?
- What recommendations or revisions would you make?
Role of the APRN as an Interdisciplinary Collaborative Partner in Community Health Promotion
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) play a critical role in promoting health at the community level through interdisciplinary collaboration. As primary care providers, APRNs bring expertise in holistic care, patient education, and community health to teams comprising physicians, social workers, public health officials, and other healthcare professionals. They bridge gaps by addressing health disparities, advocating for vulnerable populations, and implementing evidence-based strategies to improve health outcomes.
Incorporating Current Knowledge in My Role
In my current role, I can leverage my growing understanding of social determinants of health (SDOH) to identify barriers affecting patient care, advocate for accessible resources, and participate in initiatives targeting health inequities. For instance, I can contribute to health promotion campaigns, facilitate connections between patients and community resources, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement care plans that address both medical and social needs.
Engaging with Community Health as an APRN
As an APRN, I envision engaging with community health by:
- Leading Preventive Health Initiatives: Conducting community education programs on chronic disease management and prevention.
- Advocating for Policy Changes: Partnering with local organizations to push for policies that address gaps in healthcare access.
- Developing Community-Centered Care Plans: Using population health data to design care plans that address prevalent health issues in the community.
- Building Collaborative Networks: Working alongside schools, workplaces, and public health departments to align health promotion efforts.
Policy Analysis: Expansion of Medicaid
One of the policies identified in my Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) report is the Expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This policy is aimed at increasing healthcare access by providing insurance coverage to low-income populations.
Impact on Health Equity
The expansion of Medicaid addresses significant health disparities by providing coverage for preventive services, chronic disease management, and mental health care. It reduces financial barriers, particularly for underserved populations, enhancing their ability to access necessary care.
Impact on SDOH
Medicaid expansion can positively affect several SDOH, including:
- Economic Stability: Reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
- Health and Healthcare: Improving access to routine and specialized care.
- Social and Community Context: Encouraging healthier communities by enabling early intervention and comprehensive care.
Recommendations or Revisions
- Broaden Eligibility: Adjust income thresholds to include more individuals in low-income brackets.
- Increase Provider Participation: Offer incentives for providers to accept Medicaid, ensuring more healthcare access points.
- Enhance Outreach Programs: Educate eligible populations about Medicaid benefits and enrollment processes.
- Address Behavioral Health Needs: Expand coverage for mental health services and substance use disorder treatments.
Conclusion
The APRN’s role as an interdisciplinary partner is pivotal in addressing community health challenges and promoting equitable access to care. By actively engaging in policy analysis and implementation, APRNs can influence systemic changes that improve health outcomes for diverse populations.