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Social and Political Issues in HealthCare (1)

Social Issues in Healthcare

Definition of Social Issues

  • A social issue is defined as a social condition or pattern of behavior that has negative consequences for individuals, communities, or the physical environment.

  • Characteristics of social issues:

    • Go beyond individual experiences.

    • Result from conflicting values.

    • Arise from inequality among groups.

    • Are socially constructed but real in consequences.

    • Require interdependent solutions involving both individual actions and collective efforts.

Characteristics of Social Problems

Characteristic 1: Collective Experience

  • Social problems, such as unemployment, impact groups and nations, not just individuals.

  • The concept of social imagination helps connect personal experiences with larger historical contexts.

Characteristic 2: Conflict in Values

  • Values represent principles that define what is seen as right or desirable.

  • Social issues occur when there is a disagreement over these values among society's members.

Characteristic 3: Inequality

  • Inequality occurs when there is a discrepancy between commonly held values and society's ability to fulfill them.

  • Significant inequality in resource access is foundational in social issues.

    • Example: Hunger reveals systems that hinder employment, housing, and healthcare access.

Characteristic 4: Social Construction

  • Social problems are constructed through societal interactions and perceptions.

  • The reality of these constructions is evidenced by their consequential effects on society.

Characteristic 5: Interdependent Solutions

  • Social issues require both individual agency and collective action.

  • Interdependence involves reliance among individuals in social, economic, and physical contexts.

Addressing Social Problems

  • Solutions involve proactive social agency, where individuals can independently catalyze change.

  • Collective action is crucial for achieving shared goals and improving community conditions.

Social Determinants of Health in Healthcare

  • Social determinants: the circumstances where individuals work, reside, learn, and engage in recreation.

  • Health outcomes are often influenced by systemic inequalities related to:

    • Class/Income

    • Legal status

    • Race and ethnicity

    • Gender identity and sexual orientation

    • Disability

    • Region

Class and Income

  • Access to healthcare is often tied to health insurance, which depends on income and employment.

  • The Affordable Care Act (ACA) helped expand Medicaid for low-income individuals.

Region

  • Access also varies between urban and rural areas, with urban areas having fewer providers.

  • Compatibility in care can significantly affect the patient experience.

Legal Status

  • Noncitizens encounter barriers to public insurance coverage due to the risk of immigration enforcement.

Race and Ethnicity

  • There is an underrepresentation of Black, Latinx, and Native American individuals in the medical workforce.

  • Racial disparities lead to unequal access to healthcare and dismissal of pain by providers, particularly for Black individuals.

Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation

  • LGBTQIA+ communities face challenges in accessing comfortable and accepting healthcare services.

  • Experiences of shame and judgment increase barriers to care for these populations.

Disability

  • Compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) is essential to ensure access.

  • Individuals with disabilities may rely on Medicaid, facing potential cuts in coverage.

Examples of Social Issues in Healthcare

  • Insufficient healthcare coverage

  • Health equity disparities

  • Palliative care access

  • Racial and rural health disparities

  • Education and income inequality

  • Legal barriers

  • Poverty

Political Issues in Healthcare

Policy Making & Legislation

  • Government policies shape healthcare organization, funding, and delivery.

Funding and Budget Allocation

  • Political priorities influence public health funding and initiatives.

Regulatory Framework

  • Government agencies formulate and enforce regulations to maintain healthcare quality and safety.

Access to Care

  • Insurance coverage policies, Medicaid expansion, and subsidies affect healthcare service accessibility.

Quality of Care

  • Government initiatives influence patient safety and promote evidence-based practices to enhance healthcare quality.

Public Health Initiatives

  • Government roles in disease prevention, health promotion, and addressing public health emergencies.