Name
Chamberlain University
NR-586: Population Health and Epidemiology for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Individuals with disabilities—whether physical, cognitive, or developmental—face multiple barriers that limit their opportunities to participate fully in society. These barriers are evident in employment, education, transportation, and social integration. To ensure inclusion, people with disabilities often require personalized accommodations and support mechanisms that allow them to engage meaningfully in community life (Dixon-Ibarra & Horner-Johnson, 2014).
A major contributor to their vulnerability is the lack of accessibility. Physical and communication-related barriers often hinder access to healthcare, resulting in delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatments (Matin et al., 2021). In addition, socioeconomic disparities, such as higher rates of unemployment and poverty, reduce access to vital resources and services (Matin et al., 2021). Stigma and discrimination within healthcare systems further intensify these challenges by discouraging individuals from seeking care, which ultimately contributes to poorer treatment outcomes (Matin et al., 2021).
Consequently, people with disabilities face greater health risks and systemic inequalities. Limited financial stability and educational opportunities restrict access to nutritious food, safe housing, and reliable transportation (CDC, 2020). Healthcare facilities that are not designed for inclusivity delay necessary care, worsening health outcomes. Moreover, the persistence of discrimination and stigma leads to reluctance in accessing medical services, increasing the likelihood of chronic diseases, mental health problems, and preventable secondary conditions (Dixon-Ibarra & Horner-Johnson, 2014).
The concept map highlights the complex interplay between accessibility, socioeconomic status, and stigma, demonstrating how these factors collectively contribute to health inequities. Effective solutions require collaborative approaches that address social determinants of health, promote inclusivity, and dismantle structural barriers in healthcare (Baciu et al., 2017; Krahn et al., 2015).
A key program addressing the healthcare needs of people with disabilities is the Healthy People initiative, which aims to improve health outcomes for all populations. Healthy People 2030 sets national objectives to expand healthcare accessibility, reduce disparities, and enhance social inclusion for individuals with disabilities (CDC, 2020).
Advanced practice nurses play a pivotal role in advancing equity in healthcare for people with disabilities. They can:
Engage in policy advocacy by working with legislators and healthcare organizations to ensure disability-inclusive healthcare policies.
Develop community-based programs that focus on education and stigma reduction, thereby creating disability-aware and inclusive healthcare practices.
Support care coordination to improve accessibility and patient experiences across multiple healthcare settings (Disability and Health Disability Barriers, 2020).
Achieving these objectives requires partnerships across healthcare systems and communities. APNs can collaborate with:
Healthcare providers to ensure facilities are accessible and staff are trained in disability-sensitive care.
Policymakers to enact and monitor inclusive healthcare policies.
Community organizations to provide education, outreach, and support services.
Advocacy groups to strengthen awareness and ensure the rights of individuals with disabilities are upheld (Disability and Health Disability Barriers, 2020).
| Heading | Details |
|---|---|
| Description of Concept Map | Individuals with disabilities encounter significant barriers in employment, education, transportation, and social participation, requiring tailored support to promote inclusion (Dixon-Ibarra & Horner-Johnson, 2014). |
| Variables That Increase Risk | Accessibility: Physical/communication barriers delay healthcare (Matin et al., 2021). Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty and unemployment restrict resources and care access (Matin et al., 2021). Stigma and Discrimination: Negative attitudes reduce healthcare-seeking behaviors (Matin et al., 2021). |
| Health Risks and Disparities | Socioeconomic Challenges: Poverty and low education reduce access to food and transport (CDC, 2020). Accessibility Issues: Barriers delay diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare Discrimination: Stigma discourages care-seeking. Overall Impact: Increased chronic illnesses, mental health issues, and secondary conditions (Dixon-Ibarra & Horner-Johnson, 2014). |
| Concept Map Relationships | The map shows how accessibility, economic challenges, and stigma interrelate to create health disparities. Systemic reforms, inclusivity, and policy interventions are needed (Baciu et al., 2017; Krahn et al., 2015). |
| Intervention Proposal | Healthy People 2030: A national initiative focused on improving healthcare access and reducing disparities among individuals with disabilities (CDC, 2020). |
| Advanced Practice Nurse’s Role | APNs advocate for inclusive healthcare policies, lead community-based programs, and provide education to reduce stigma (Disability and Health Disability Barriers, 2020). |
| Stakeholders for Collaboration | Healthcare Providers: Enhance accessibility and inclusivity. Policymakers: Support disability-inclusive policies. Community Organizations: Provide outreach and education. Advocacy Groups: Promote rights and services (Disability and Health Disability Barriers, 2020). |
Baciu, A., Negussie, Y., & Geller, A. (2017, January 11). The root causes of health inequity. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425845/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, September 16). Disability and health disability barriers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability-barriers.html
Dixon-Ibarra, A., & Horner-Johnson, W. (2014). Disability status as an antecedent to chronic conditions: National Health Interview Survey, 2006–2012. Preventing Chronic Disease, 11, 130251. http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd11.130251
Krahn, G. L., Walker, D. K., & Correa-De-Araujo, R. (2015). Persons with disabilities as an unrecognized health disparity population. American Journal of Public Health, 105(Suppl 2), S198–S206. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302182
Matin, B. K., Williamson, H. J., Karyani, A. K., Rezaei, S., Soofi, M., & Soltani, S. (2021). Barriers in access to healthcare for women with disabilities: A systematic review in qualitative studies. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1), 44. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01189-5
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. (n.d.). Social determinants of health. Healthy People 2030. https://health.gov/healthypeople
