At-Risk and Vulnerable populations

vulnerability

result from individual and social factors

increases likelihood of developing health problems

increased risk of health disparities

social determinants of health

economic stability

neighborhood and built environment

access and quality of education

access to and quality of food

social and community context

access to and quality of healthcare

nurse’s role with vulnerable groups

patient advocacy

culturally sensitive care

address social determinants of health

veterans: common illness, increased risk for, and healthcare access

depression, PTSD, and anxiety are common

increased risk for: substance abuse, physical disease, somatic complaints

veterans affairs health system access

LGBTQIA+: common mental illness, increased risk for, and healthcare access

depression and anxiety

other risks: substance abuse, STIs, and suicide

need for improved sensitivity when treating this population

make sure nurses self reflect prior to implementing care

adolescent pregnancy

lack of prenatal care common, HTN, premature birth, low birth weight infants

mothers in foster case

nurses should be prepared to discuss all pregnancy options

incarceration

mental health disorders are common in prisons

risk for: violence, crowded living conditions, limited treatment options

nurses must maintain professionalism and care without unconscious bias

homelessness have higher rates of

HIV, alcohol/drug ruse, mental illness, TB, chronic illness

rural population risks

often have poor perception of health status, higher incidence of chronic disease, less likely to seek healthcare, nurses should advocate for health care access in rural areas

migrant population risk factors

poverty, limited healthcare access, hazardous working conditions, lack of regulation

focus on infection prevention bc they often live in crowded spaces

nursing process application in community

assessment of community, planning population-focused care, collab interventions to address SDOH