Advancing Health Equity: Components of an Ideal Healthcare System
Name
KINE 3500 Cultural Difference in Healing
Professor Jacinda Roach
May 5, 2024
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Advancing Health Equity: Components of an Ideal Healthcare System
Healthcare systems play a crucial role in public health, serving as the primary way
individuals access medical services. In an ideal world, their purpose would extend beyond
treating illnesses. They would also prioritize preventive care and the overall well-being of their
communities. A perfect system would be flexible and responsive to patients diverse needs,
recognizing that health is influenced by many different factors. This essay explores the key
components of an ideal healthcare system that is capable of addressing varying social and
cultural factors effectively.
Equity and inclusiveness are fundamental components of an ideal healthcare system, as
they ensure everyone receives fair and equal access to quality care. Achieving equity means
tackling the systemic disparities in access, treatment, and health outcomes that disproportionately
affect marginalized populations (Braveman et al., 2011). Studies indicate that individuals from
minority groups and low-income areas often struggle to get the healthcare they need (Betancourt
et al., 2002). An ideal healthcare system would strive to combat these disparities by addressing
factors such as socioeconomic status, education, housing, employment, and access to healthy
food. Fostering inclusiveness in healthcare involves actively engaging communities in decisionmaking processes. It also includes delivering culturally competent care that respects the unique
needs and values of different groups. This has been shown to result in better patient outcomes,
greater satisfaction, and improved access to care (Beach et al., 2005). Additionally, an ideal
healthcare organization would implement policies promoting inclusivity and diversity among its
staff, ensuring that the workforce represents the community it serves. In sum, fostering
inclusivity and diversity within healthcare organizations is vital for ensuring equitable access to
quality care and meeting the diverse needs of patients.
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Continuous education is another critical aspect of an ideal healthcare system.
Understanding the communities being served is essential for achieving cultural competence in
healthcare (Betancourt et al., 2002, p. 14). Through training programs, healthcare professionals
can familiarize themselves with cultural beliefs and practices that affect patient care. By refining
their cultural competence, healthcare providers can communicate better with patients from
diverse backgrounds, show respect for diversity, and deliver care that aligns with patients’
values. Research suggests that cultural competence training not only improves the knowledge
and skills of health professionals, but also enhances patient satisfaction (Beach et al., 2005).
Additionally, patient education programs play a vital role in improving peoples understanding
of health and empowering them to make informed health decisions (Smedley et al., 2003). By
tailoring patient programs to accommodate different languages and cultures, healthcare systems
can make health information easier to understand and more accessible. These efforts can improve
how well people understand, engage with, and follow medical advice. By investing in both
professional education for healthcare providers and patient education programs, healthcare
systems can enhance cultural competence, improve communication, build trust between patients
and providers, and elevate the quality of care for all individuals.
Another essential feature of an ideal healthcare system is collaboration and knowledge
exchange among healthcare professionals. By encouraging collaboration and building
partnerships with community organizations, healthcare systems can improve the quality of care
they provide and foster innovation. When healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds
come together, they bring different skills and experiences to the table. This collaborative effort
helps them address complex health issues more effectively and deliver comprehensive care
(Salas et al., 2008). Furthermore, partnerships with community organizations extend the reach of
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healthcare systems beyond clinical settings. These collaborations allow healthcare systems to
work with communities to address underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that
influence health. For instance, healthcare providers can work with local schools to implement
programs aimed at reducing food insecurity and promoting physical activity. Through
collaboration and knowledge exchange among healthcare professionals and community partners,
healthcare systems become more resilient and adaptable.
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References
Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., & Carrillo, J. E. (2002). Cultural competence in health care:
Emerging frameworks and practical approaches. The Commonwealth Fund.
Braveman, P., Egerter, S., & Williams, D. R. (2011). The social determinants of health: coming
of age. Annual Review of Public Health, 32, 381-398.
Beach, M. C., Price, E. G., Gary, T. L., Robinson, K. A., Gozu, A., Palacio, A., & Cooper, L. A.
(2005). Cultural competence: A systematic review of health care provider educational
interventions. Medical Care, 43(4), 356-373.
Salas, E., DiazGranados, D., Weaver, S. J., & King, H. (2008). Does team training improve team
performance? A meta-analysis. Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and
Ergonomics Society, 50(6), 903933.
Smedley, B. D., Stith, A. Y., & Nelson, A. R. (Eds.). (2003). Unequal treatment: Confronting
racial and ethnic disparities in health care. National Academies Press.
ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY:
COMPONENTS OF AN IDEAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
CAROL MCMULLEN
INTRODUCTION
Healthcare systems are essential for
public health, providing access to
medical services.
An ideal healthcare system
prioritizes preventive care, health
promotion, and overall well-being.
This presentation outlines key
components of an ideal healthcare
system.
EQUITY AND INCLUSIVENESS
Fundamental pillars of an ideal healthcare system.
Address systemic disparities in access, treatment, and outcomes.
Promote equity by addressing social determinants of health.
Foster inclusiveness by involving diverse communities in decision-making.
CONTINUOUS
EDUCATION FOR
HEALTHCARE
PROFESSIONALS
Importance of cultural competence
and sensitivity.
Ongoing training to understand
cultural diversity.
Enhance communication and
respect for cultural differences.
Patient education programs to
promote health literacy.
COLLABORATION
AND KNOWLEDGE
EXCHANGE
Promote interdisciplinary teamwork among
healthcare professionals.
Partnerships with community-based
organizations.
Address social determinants of health.
Strengthen healthcare ecosystem and
improve patient outcomes.
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CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
