Certain populations today lack access to healthcare. There are several reasons for this, and these reasons must be addressed or things will only get worse. What are some things that can be done today to start resolving this issue?
Increased Access
Underserved communities often lack access to preventative and primary care. They need more free clinics, mobile health units, and community health centers so they can see doctors and other healthcare professionals. If they wait, the problems they are experiencing could worsen and lead to the need for more intensive care which costs more.
Another option is to provide transportation for those in need to ensure they can visit healthcare facilities promptly They may have transportation, but find they can’t visit the facility when it is open. They work during those hours. Clinics and health centers need to offer extended hours and night and weekend appointments so people don’t have to miss work to receive healthcare. However, this is only one area where improvements are needed when it comes to medical care for the underserved.
Financial Concerns
Many people worry about how they will pay for healthcare. While Medicaid and subsidies for health insurance premiums help, high deductibles may prevent them from seeking care until it is essential. They might visit an emergency room to receive treatment when they are ill so they can make payments on the bills. Healthcare clinics can help overcome this by offering sliding-scale payment options or income-based discount programs. Authorities need to do their part as well by increasing funding for healthcare facilities in underserved areas.
Cultural Competency
Each patient is unique. They have values, beliefs, and behaviors when it comes to healthcare, and providers must recognize this. To ensure the needs of these patients are met, facilities need to have a diverse workforce, one that understands various cultural backgrounds. They also need to have interpreters on hand for those patients who need help communicating with healthcare providers and educational materials in a variety of languages. Doing so will ensure patients can take charge of their health.
Health Literacy
All patients need to be educated on how to better their health. This holds for those who aren’t ill as well as those who are managing a chronic disease. In addition, patients need to know how to navigate the healthcare system. Health education campaigns can help with this as can outreach programs. Focus efforts on communities that are underserved, as they tend to have the greatest need.
Technological Solutions
One way to bring increased access to underserved communities is to make use of technology. Telemedicine services allow patients to connect with specialists across the globe while also enabling them to visit their local doctor when they can’t make it into the office. Mobile health apps remind patients of appointments, while wearable devices help them monitor their health. Information gathered by these devices can be transmitted to their medical team, so changes can be made to the treatment plan where needed. Electronic health records are helping healthcare providers share information and better coordinate care.
Community Engagement
Community members must come together to help authorities provide improved access to healthcare in underserved areas while ensuring these solutions are culturally appropriate. These community members might include local leaders, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups, among others. Furthermore, the community must come together and advocate for increased funding for healthcare and better resources.
There is no simple solution to improving healthcare, particularly when it comes to underserved populations. Any solution needs to address all aspects of the problem to be effective. However, this work must be done, as every person needs quality healthcare to have the highest quality of life. The two go hand-in-hand.
