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.