Healthcare Disparities, Social Determinants, and Interprofessional Team Roles in Nursing

Health Care Disparities

Inequality exists throughout the United States and the health care system.

Goal of DHHS

To eliminate health disparities in the United States and achieve health equality.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

Environmental conditions present from birth that influence daily life, access to care, and long-term health.

Key factors in SDOH

Factors such as nutrition, exercise, and access to preventive health services.

Role of Public Health Nurse

Plays a vital role in closing the gap in the SDOH.

Health Care Access

Clients with health insurance coverage and access to care have better health outcomes.

Primary Care

Primary care providers deliver routine care, promote wellness, coordinate referrals and treatments.

Community Care Setting

Focuses on population-level prevention and health education.

Acute Care Setting

Provides short-term treatment and stabilization for serious illnesses or injuries.

Long-Term Care Facility

Provides residential support and assistance with activities of daily living for clients who cannot safely live independently.

Skilled Nursing Facility

Provides short-term rehabilitation and limited therapies for clients who are not ready to return home.

Assisted Living

Provides a supportive community setting for mostly independent clients who need limited assistance.

Hospice Care

Focuses on comfort and supportive services for clients with a life expectancy of less than 6 months.

Palliative Care

Focuses on symptom relief and comfort at any stage of illness.

Respite Care

Provides temporary relief for caregivers by offering short-term care for clients.

Home Care

Provides nursing and therapy services in the client's home.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

RNs with advanced specialty education who can provide comprehensive care.

Case Leader

Coordinates and advocates for client-centered, cost-effective care.

Dentist

Licensed doctoral-level providers who diagnose and treat oral health conditions.

Dietitian

Licensed or certified professionals who provide nutrition education and therapeutic diet recommendations.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Trained to provide basic client care, treatments, and medications under supervision.

Naturopathic Provider

Complementary health providers who use natural and lifestyle-based approaches.

Occupational Therapist

Helps clients develop or recover skills and use adaptive equipment.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Provides prehospital assessment, stabilization, transport, and handoff communication.

Pastoral Services

Assist with meeting the client's/family's spiritual or religious needs.

Pharmacist

Licensed professionals who manage medication dispensing, safety, and client education.

Physical Therapist

Licensed providers who use therapeutic exercises and interventions to improve mobility.

Physician

Licensed medical doctors who diagnose and treat illness, prescribe therapies.

Physician Assistant

Licensed providers who diagnose, treat, and prescribe under physician supervision.

Respiratory Therapist

Licensed professionals who assess and treat clients with acute or chronic lung conditions.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Licensed professionals who assess and manage client care and provide education.

Social Worker

Licensed professionals who collaborate with the health care team to address psychotherapeutic needs.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Licensed providers who assess and treat communication and swallowing disorders.

Assistive Personnel

Support the health care team by providing basic client care and assisting with activities of daily living.