Write a 1200-word paper examining how cultural competency and health literacy impacts the health outcomes of this population.
Community Scenario: In your community there is a sizable population of refugees from Syria. Beginning nine months ago, there has been a significant increase in the number of refugees admitted through the emergency department due to untreated diabetes. Since that time, there have been a significant number of readmissions due to patients not taking or not having access to their medications.
Include the following in your paper:
o Discuss how advanced practice nurses can identify population health problems.
o Based on the scenario above, explain how cultural competency and health literacy can act as factors determining a specific population's health outcomes.
o Identify sources of evidence you would use to assist this population with their health care needs.
o Identify evidence-based interventions to address this population problem.
o Identify which interdisciplinary team members would be needed to implement the interventions and what their roles would be.
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Cultural Competency and Health Literacy: Impact on the Health Outcomes of the Syrian Refugee Population
Introduction
Cultural competency and health literacy play a vital role in the overall health outcomes of populations, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities. This paper examines the impact of cultural competency and health literacy on the health outcomes of the Syrian refugee population in our community. Specifically, it explores how advanced practice nurses can identify population health problems, the role of cultural competency and health literacy in determining health outcomes, sources of evidence to assist this population, evidence-based interventions to address the problem, and the interdisciplinary team members needed for implementation.
Identifying Population Health Problems
As advanced practice nurses, the identification of population health problems is a crucial responsibility. In the scenario described, the significant increase in refugees seeking emergency department admission due to untreated diabetes and subsequent readmissions highlights a population health problem. By analyzing data from the emergency department and collaborating with other healthcare professionals and stakeholders in the community, advanced practice nurses can identify trends and patterns that indicate population health issues. This collaborative approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Syrian refugee population and facilitates the development of targeted interventions.
Role of Cultural Competency and Health Literacy
Cultural competency refers to the ability of healthcare providers to understand, appreciate, and integrate cultural knowledge into their practice. Health literacy, on the other hand, involves patients' ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services to make informed decisions. For the Syrian refugee population, cultural competency is essential in effectively communicating with individuals from a different cultural background, respecting their values and beliefs, and tailoring healthcare services accordingly. Health literacy is vital for ensuring the refugees understand their condition, the importance of medication adherence, and the availability of resources for accessing medications.
Cultural competency and health literacy act as determinants of health outcomes for this population in multiple ways. Firstly, language barriers often hinder effective communication with healthcare providers, leading to misunderstandings and potential complications. Culturally competent care can address these language barriers by employing interpreters or bilingual healthcare professionals. Secondly, cultural beliefs and practices related to health may differ from Western healthcare approaches. Advanced practice nurses can provide culturally sensitive care by understanding and respecting these beliefs, which increases the likelihood of patients adhering to the recommended treatment plans.
Sources of Evidence
To assist the Syrian refugee population with their health care needs, advanced practice nurses can rely on a range of evidence-based sources. These include scholarly articles published in reputable journals, clinical practice guidelines, and public health reports specific to the refugee population. Additionally, qualitative research exploring the experiences and perspectives of Syrian refugees can contribute valuable insights into the cultural nuances that influence health outcomes. Collaborating with local organizations that work closely with the refugee population, such as refugee resettlement agencies or community-based health clinics, can also provide valuable knowledge and resources.
Evidence-Based Interventions
Addressing the problem of untreated diabetes and medication non-adherence among Syrian refugees requires evidence-based interventions. Firstly, educational programs should be implemented to enhance health literacy among refugees. These programs could involve culturally tailored materials explaining diabetes management and medication adherence, as well as the availability of community resources for accessing affordable medications. Utilizing community health workers from the Syrian refugee community who are trained as health educators can be particularly effective in engaging and empowering patients.
Secondly, establishing a multidisciplinary clinic with healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, including endocrinologists, nurses, pharmacists, and interpreters, can provide comprehensive care to the refugee population. Collaborative decision-making and patient-centered care need to be emphasized in this clinic, considering cultural and traditional practices. Additionally, providing access to affordable medications through partnerships with pharmaceutical companies or patient assistance programs can address the issue of medication accessibility.
Interdisciplinary Team Members and Their Roles
Implementing the above interventions would require an interdisciplinary team working together to address the needs of the Syrian refugee population. This team should include advanced practice nurses, endocrinologists, pharmacists, interpreters, community health workers, and social workers. The role of advanced practice nurses would involve coordinating and leading the team, conducting patient assessments, providing education and counseling, and monitoring patients' progress. Endocrinologists would contribute their specialized expertise in diabetes management, while pharmacists would ensure appropriate medication selection and dosing.
Interpreters play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication between healthcare providers and the Syrian refugee population. Community health workers, who share a similar cultural background and language, can act as liaisons between healthcare providers and patients, providing cultural insights and support. Social workers can address social determinants of health, such as housing or employment issues, that may impact the health outcomes of the refugee population.
Conclusion
Cultural competency and health literacy significantly impact the health outcomes of the Syrian refugee population in our community. As advanced practice nurses, recognizing and addressing population health problems, understanding the influence of cultural competency and health literacy, and implementing evidence-based interventions are essential. Working collaboratively with a diverse interdisciplinary team and utilizing evidence from various sources, we can improve the health outcomes and well-being of this vulnerable population.
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