Health Disparities In Native Americans

Throughout the United States America, Indians, and Alaskan Natives face many challenges and health disparities. Health disparities facing these populations have not showed large improvements due to the lack of research and data on the healthcare of this population. Literature throughout this grant proposal will make it evident that knowledge and geographical location predisposes this population to healthcare deficits. A Telemedicine grant will help to address challenges within the American Native and Alaskan Native communities and can play a significant role in the early intervention in preventing disease and maintaining healthy lifestyles. Not only will this grant provide healthcare to this underserved population, but will provide data for …show more content…
Many of the providers are hired through loan repayment programs and after their contracts and loans are paid off they leave for positions that are in better areas and have higher pay. Staff turnover causes a challenge to providing quality, culturally competent care to patients within the Indian health system. Similarly, studies have shown deficiencies in preventative care through the Indiana Health Service, this leads to greater long-term health demands for the patients of these clinics (Zuckerman, Haley, 14 Roubideaux, & Lillie-Blanton, 2004). According to Zuckerman, Haley, Roubideaux, and Lillie-Blanton in 2004 Native Americans and Alaskan natives receiving Indian Health Service care reported poor communication with their providers and felt that they faced issues such as access to care and a dissatisfaction in the quality of the care they receive through the current system in …show more content…
By increasing access to telemedicine, this will increase access to this underserved population. Telemedicine is the use of computer and telecommunications to examine, diagnose, treat, and educate patients from a distance. Patients within the program would travel to the local rural hospital or clinic for a specialist appointment, scheduled by the patient’s primary care provider within the Indian Health Service. A provider from the Indian Health Service and the specialist physicians can work together to develop the appropriate treatment plan for the patient, utilizing the telemedicine system at a local hospital or health office. Labs, x-rays, and other services can be provided by the local hospital with results being sent to the specialist and the patient’s primary care provider through the Indian Health Service. Once the specialist provides a diagnosis, treatment plans can be recommended to the local physicians. Telemedicine allows for easy follow-up and access to the Indian Health Care Services that many patients are unable to