Vulnerable populations are defined as those at greater risk for poor health status and health care access and who have a greater than average risk of developing health problems. Merriam-Webster defines vulnerable as being susceptible to attack and subject to criticism. Vulnerability often exists among certain populations because of marginalized sociocultural status which is correlated with limited access to economic resources.
There are a wide variety of populations and subcultures in the United States which qualify as vulnerable. Despite nationwide efforts to provide services to offset the health disparities of these populations, solutions are still needed. At the forefront of leading changes to assist the medically vulnerable are community/public health nurses who focus on improving outcomes for vulnerable populations and improving the population’s health.
For this discussion assignment, you should review the information/resources posted in Modules 8 and 9 and the assigned chapters of your textbook. Then, post your minimum of three responses:
Initial Response #1: Select one of the vulnerable populations discussed in Module 8 or Module 9 and discuss the following:
- What are key characteristics of this population?
- What are potential biases against this population?
- Using one of the models of vulnerability depicted in Chapter 23, determine the health status for this population. Describe the relative risk for this group.
- Describe specific health disparities faced by this population.
- What health promotion activities are available in your community to assist this population?
- How could you as a C/PHN intervene with this population at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels?
POST 1
elizabeth post this is one of the students to respond too- Disabled individuals are a vulnerable population that must be adequately cared for in healthcare settings. Key characteristics of this population include having a chronic illness that becomes debilitating and having any kind of disability that requires one or more accommodations in daily life. This could include mental or physical limitations, or both. Potential biases against this population are assuming that a disabled person has poor health and that they did not care for themselves properly, and that they cannot perform equally with someone without a disability. Thinking of the general model of vulnerability, it is true for these individuals that they quite possibly can experience a cluster of risk factors, which are cumulative and exacerbate their limitations (Rector and Stanley, 2021, p.668). This vulnerable population has a greater risk of not only lacking proper healthcare for their initial disability, but oftentimes other health problems are overlooked because of the initial disability. A disparity faced by this population could be discrimination due to providers finding it hard to work with disabled individuals, or unjustly assuming they have caused their own incapacities. Poor access to care is also a disparity that can be faced by this population, as it can be hard for disabled individuals to afford healthcare and have access to transportation to get to healthcare appointments.
As for health promotion activities in the community, there are several options for different kinds of disabilities around Memphis. One that is near and dear to me is called Project Kind, which is a company that provides jobs to individuals with disabilities such as autism who would have a harder time keeping employment elsewhere. This enables these individuals to gain self-confidence, allows time to be social, and of course income. There is also an adult with disabilities care program in Memphis called Livitup, Inc. which includes day services (like respite care), services to help improve independence, activities to enhance social and educational skills, assistance with ADLs, employment support, and supportive learning services (like long term care).
On a primary level, I would begin by assessing the patient for any other comorbidities that they could be plagued with. It is important to diagnose all conditions and treat them, instead of getting caught up in just treating the obvious disability. Specifically, a woman with a mental limitation should still be assessed for the need for birth control and educated on how to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
On a secondary level, going along with the primary level, I would ensure that all screening and testing is done for these individuals just as it would be done for individuals without a disability. This includes CBC and chemistries, pregnancy tests, and STI testing. It is a problem for healthcare providers to treat these individuals as if they are their limitation, instead of treating them holistically.
On a tertiary level, I would ensure that the patient has access to all necessary medications and transportation to follow-up appointments. It may also be necessary to assist them with a social worker consult, and they may need assistance finding somewhere to live that is agreeable with their disability, such as an apartment complex with elevators. –
POST 2
This Breonna post – A vulnerable population is the older adult population. The number of older adults in the United States is the fastest growing population and continues to increase (ATI, 2019). Some key characteristics of this population include being aged 65 and up, having at least 1 chronic condition, a decrease in physiological functioning, and the use of multiple medications to treat multiple chronic conditions (Rector, 2021). Some potential biases against this population include ageism stereotypes. People may assume that older adults are senile and tend to be forgetful or confused. Some people may believe older adults are unable to learn new things and that they are nonproductive, inactive, and withdrawn (Rector, 2021). Because of these biases, it is important to perform self-assessments to avoid stereotyping older patients and treat them as individuals and not as a monolith.
The Social Capital Model of Vulnerability is relevant to this population group. It involves looking at one’s social capital and the extent of their social relationships (Rector, 2021). The more social support one has, the better chance of having good health outcomes. However, a decrease in the amount of social support leads to an increase in mortality and morbidity and a decrease in health outcomes (Rector, 2021). This is relevant to older adults because there is an increasing number of older individuals that live alone (ATI, 2019). As previously mentioned, being socially isolated and alone places older adults at risk for decreased health outcomes and increased risk for mortality and morbidity. Some additional risks that this group may face include elder abuse, functional limitations, and inappropriate use of medications (Rector, 2021).
Some specific health disparities faced by the older adult population include having multiple comorbidities, a lack of access to care, a decrease in their income due to retirement, and a decrease in accessibility to resources. When looking for health promotion activities in the community, it is important for the public health nurse to first assess the patient for their needs and coordinate care based on their needs. A specific health promotion activity for older adults in the Memphis community is via the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA). MIFA has two programs for older adult clients including the Meals on Wheels Program as well as the Long-term care program (MIFA, 2021). Both programs help to promote independence and health by providing nutritious lunches for seniors in their homes and by advocating for residents of long-term care facilities by addressing their complaints and providing public education for clients and their families (MIFA, 2021).
As a community/public health nurse, I could intervene for patients at the primary level by providing them with health education regarding specific health conditions (ex: HTN, DM, etc.), encourage them to receive immunizations such as their yearly flu shot, shingles vaccine and pneumonia vaccine. I would also encourage older adults to exercise, practice good nutrition habits, practice independence, maintain social interactions and set up advanced directives (Rector, 2021). On the secondary level, I would encourage older adults to complete their routine health screenings like colonoscopy, mammograms, and other cancer screenings (Rector, 2021). Finally, on the tertiary level, I would follow-up with patients who already have chronic conditions and ensure that they have the resources and support to manage their chronic conditions (Rector, 2021).
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