NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4

NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4

Name

Chamberlain University

NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Prof. Name

Date

Caring for Special Populations: Teaching Presentation

Understanding Housing Insecurity and Its Health Impact

Housing insecurity, characterized by the lack of stable, adequate, and affordable housing, significantly impacts the well-being of affected individuals. Many people experiencing housing insecurity reside in temporary shelters, motels, or with family and friends due to financial constraints. Others may be forced to relocate frequently or live in unsafe conditions, leading to chronic stress and negative health outcomes (National Low Income Housing Coalition [NLIHC], 2023).

Certain groups, such as individuals with disabilities, low-income families, and marginalized communities, are disproportionately affected, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities. The NLIHC (2023) reports that approximately 11 million households, or one in four renters in the United States, struggle with housing affordability. Financial hardship further limits access to healthcare, forcing many individuals to delay medical care due to concerns about cost, lack of insurance, and transportation barriers. Poor living conditions and limited access to nutritious food contribute to chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases (Fitzpatrick & Willis, 2021). Mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, are also prevalent, often worsened by financial instability. Many individuals struggle to adhere to medication regimens and rely on emergency care for preventable conditions. Expanding community-based healthcare programs and social support networks is essential to mitigating these challenges (Willison et al., 2021).

Cultural Considerations in Nursing Care

Culturally competent nursing care requires understanding the unique challenges and health disparities faced by individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Many prioritize basic survival over medical care, leading to untreated chronic conditions and delayed treatment. Mobile health clinics offering services directly in shelters and community centers can improve access to care while reducing transportation barriers (Rennert et al., 2024).

Trust in the healthcare system is another significant issue for this population, often due to past negative experiences and perceived discrimination. Hernandez et al. (2021) highlight the importance of trauma-informed care and nonjudgmental communication in fostering trust. Providing cultural competence training for healthcare providers can enhance patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.

Additionally, financial instability and lack of identification documents can prevent individuals from accessing healthcare services. Nurses play a critical role in connecting patients with social workers and community organizations that offer low-cost or free healthcare. Collaborations with food pantries, housing agencies, and other social services can address social determinants of health and improve long-term well-being (Garcia et al., 2024). Implementing culturally responsive strategies enables healthcare providers to reduce disparities and enhance patient outcomes.

Healthcare Disparities and Social Determinants of Health

Individuals experiencing housing insecurity face substantial healthcare disparities due to financial instability, limited medical access, and social stigma. Many depend on emergency departments for treatable conditions, exacerbating chronic illnesses, increasing hospitalization rates, and raising mortality risks (Garcia et al., 2024). Limited access to vaccinations and routine screenings further increases susceptibility to infectious diseases.

Subpopulations within the housing-insecure community face unique challenges. Families with children struggle with pediatric care and educational disruptions, while elderly individuals often find it difficult to manage chronic illnesses without stable housing. Veterans are at higher risk for mental health disorders and substance abuse, and LGBTQ+ youth frequently experience homelessness due to family rejection, increasing their vulnerability to violence and exploitation (Miller, 2021).

Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach. Mobile clinics can deliver essential healthcare services directly to shelters and public spaces, reducing barriers to care. Trauma-informed nursing practices help build trust and improve patient engagement. Social workers and housing programs are essential in connecting individuals with financial assistance and stable housing solutions. A notable example of culturally competent healthcare is the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), which integrates medical, mental health, and substance use treatment in shelters and community settings (Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 2024).

The social determinants of homelessness are far-reaching. Economic barriers such as unemployment, low wages, and rising housing costs contribute significantly to housing insecurity. Environmental factors, such as exposure to extreme weather and unsanitary conditions, increase health risks, including respiratory infections and dehydration (Anthonj et al., 2024). Expanding Medicaid eligibility and implementing housing-first initiatives are vital in addressing these systemic issues. Policies should focus on decriminalizing homelessness, expanding low-barrier healthcare access, and investing in permanent supportive housing to improve long-term stability and health outcomes.

Table: Strategies for Culturally Competent Nursing Care

References

Anthonj, C., Mingoti Poague, K. I. H., Fleming, L., & Stanglow, S. (2024). Invisible struggles: WASH insecurity and implications of extreme weather among urban homeless in high-income countries – A systematic scoping review. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 255, 114285. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114285

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. (2024). Street team. https://www.bhchp.org/services/street-team/

Deering, M. (2024, May 3). Cultural competence in nursing. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/cultural-competence-in-nursing/

Fitzpatrick, K. M., & Willis, D. E. (2021). Homeless and hungry: Food insecurity in the land of plenty. Food Security, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01115-x

Garcia, C., Doran, K., & Kushel, M. (2024). Homelessness and health: Factors, evidence, innovations that work, and policy recommendations. Health Affairs, 43(2), 164–171. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01049

Hernandez, N. C., Leal, L. M. R., & Brito, M. J. M. (2021). Building culturally competent compassion in nurses caring for vulnerable populations. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(4), 089801012110627. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211062708

NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4

Miller, L. (2021). Statistics on veterans and substance abuse. Veteranaddiction.org. https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/veteran-statistics/

National Low Income Housing Coalition. (2023). A shortage of affordable homes. https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/gap/Gap-Report_2023.pdf

Rennert, L., et al. (2024). Mobile health clinics for vaccinations to underserved communities. Public Health in Practice, 8, 100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100550

Willison, C. E., et al. (2021). Technically accessible, practically ineligible: Medicaid expansion and chronic homelessness. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 46(6). https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-9349142