Paper 2 – Dilemma: Addressing Health Disparities
Group 11-1
Grace Geiser, Rachel Goettl, Brianna Hoenig, Greta Petersen, Lisa Pham, Paige Schwoebel
As one of the most trusted and accessible professions in healthcare, pharmacists have a substantial role in impacting the lives of their patients. However, there are often barriers that contribute to patients not receiving the best outcomes. For instance, many patients are unable to access healthcare due to their socioeconomic status; 23 million Americans are uninsured despite the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) expanded coverage (source?), resulting in necessary healthcare services not being utilized. Smoking, as another barrier, contributes due to its easy access and close association with the low socio-economic class as well as the smokers’ lack of education about smoking cessation and the consequences of smoking. As pharmacists, we must take on the role being an advocate and educator for those who do not have easy access to healthcare services as well as those who lack education on smoking cessation.
We have learned that another barrier to …show more content…
For instance, smoking is an addictive habit that most patients will not be able to quit easily. These patients will need to utilize some type of smoking cessation product. There are multiple different types of these products on the market, while some are only available with a prescription, some are also available over the counter. The next issue that comes to mind is the cost of these products. Most smokers today are from lower socioeconomic classes, chronically homeless, mentally ill, those with substance abuse disorders and those with less than a high school degree. These people within one of these groups often do not have health insurance. This then leaves the cost up to the patient and the lack of insurance also decreases the options for smoking cessation
Group 11-1
Grace Geiser, Rachel Goettl, Brianna Hoenig, Greta Petersen, Lisa Pham, Paige Schwoebel
As one of the most trusted and accessible professions in healthcare, pharmacists have a substantial role in impacting the lives of their patients. However, there are often barriers that contribute to patients not receiving the best outcomes. For instance, many patients are unable to access healthcare due to their socioeconomic status; 23 million Americans are uninsured despite the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) expanded coverage (source?), resulting in necessary healthcare services not being utilized. Smoking, as another barrier, contributes due to its easy access and close association with the low socio-economic class as well as the smokers’ lack of education about smoking cessation and the consequences of smoking. As pharmacists, we must take on the role being an advocate and educator for those who do not have easy access to healthcare services as well as those who lack education on smoking cessation.
We have learned that another barrier to …show more content…
For instance, smoking is an addictive habit that most patients will not be able to quit easily. These patients will need to utilize some type of smoking cessation product. There are multiple different types of these products on the market, while some are only available with a prescription, some are also available over the counter. The next issue that comes to mind is the cost of these products. Most smokers today are from lower socioeconomic classes, chronically homeless, mentally ill, those with substance abuse disorders and those with less than a high school degree. These people within one of these groups often do not have health insurance. This then leaves the cost up to the patient and the lack of insurance also decreases the options for smoking cessation