Term Paper on "Hispanic Aggregate"

Term Paper 5 pages (1539 words) Sources: 4

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Community Advocacy

One major challenge medical professionals today are facing is the growing incidence of kidney disease, not only in the general population, but especially among Hispanics. This population is one of the fastest-growing racial groups in the country. This group is also twice as likely to develop kidney failure as other racial groups. For a community nurse, this is of particular concern, especially in terms of strategies to help this population prevent the prevalence of kidney failure and its causes.

The disease among this population is of particular interest, since the researcher has worked in this area for a considerable period of time. During the initial stages of the project, in-depth research must therefore be conducted in order to determine the exact nature and prevalence of the condition among the Hispanic population in the designated area. Based on this, further strategies can then be developed in order to help mitigate the problem.

It is hypothesized that renal failure and other kidney conditions among the Hispanic population in the area will be disproportionately prevalent. Before identifying intervention or prevention measures, however, the first step will be to determine the root causes of the phenomenon. In particular, lifestyle choices and nutrition will be at the center of the investigation.

This proposal will therefore feature three levels of recommendation when it comes to provide the Hispanic community with a basis of addressing this particular health problem. First, an education measure will be implemented to encourage prevention. Second, community leaders and policy advocates will be approached regarding the possibility of clinics to address this specific health issue. Finally, a research measure will be implemented to determine the effectiveness of the intervention measures that have been implemented. Such research will be conducted on a regular basis to identify gaps that still exist and determine what measures still need to be implemented.

Intervention Measures: Christoffel's Advocacy Framework

In order to effectively address the health challenges faced by the Hispanic community, the health care provider can use Christoffel's advocacy framework, where the steps include information, strategy, and action (Bibby, 2009).

In terms of renal failure among the Hispanic aggregate, there is a significant lack of research into the root causes of the phenomenon. One of these can be identified as a lack of education regarding renal failure, its causes and its connections to other conditions.

The second step is Strategy. This step requires educational curricula, public education, and community mobilization. Poor Hispanic communities could be educated regarding ways in which to prevent not only diabetes, but also resultant conditions such as renal failure. Community education and mobilization are important preventing tools.

In terms of action, the results of community strategies can be investigated in order to publish papers, issue press releases, provide media interviews, and the like. During this stage, lobbyists can also use the opportunity to obtain legislative support for community health and outreach programs. Furthermore, the publication of research and passing of laws also serve as powerful tools to educate the public regarding the conditions being treated.

The above strategies can be set up in tandem with primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention methods, where the various stages of the disease are targeted. The primary prevention level is used to prevent the person from getting the disease. Primary prevention strategies reduce the incidence and prevalence of the disease by encouraging people to protect themselves from exposure to disease risk factors. According to the CDC (2014), screening tests are important in preventing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which could lead to renal conditions and renal failure. Aiming such tests at the over-50 population may prevent or delay the onset of renal failure. Another form of primary prevention for the Hispanic population includes public health education through health promotion activities.

Secondary and tertiary methods for dealing with renal conditions among the Hispanic population would involve affordable and accessible health care to help manage the target condition. Since many among the Hispanic community are at a level of poverty that prevent them from being involved in high-quality health care policies, this also means that facilities to help them deal with serious conditions are not readily available or affordable.

In an effort to improve health outcomes in this area, Department of Health and Human Services has developed its Healthy People (HP) 2020 initiative. This initiative sets specific targets for improving health based on the unique needs of the condition. For instance, in the case of chronic kidney disease, research demonstrates that there is no effective cure and that current treatment options are both expensive and do not markedly improve overall quality of life. As such, recommendations for prevention and aggressive treatment of kidney disease are the focus of intervention. By focusing on these specific areas DHHS believes that health improvements can be garnered.

DHHS (2013) reports that there are two overarching goals of HP 2020. These include: eliminating disparities in health and increasing the quality and longevity of a healthy life. Although these goals are aimed at improving the overall health of the populace, this appears to be a notable challenge in the context of chronic kidney disease. Considering the first goal of DHHS, which is to increase quality and years of life (DHHS, 2013, Chronic Kidney Disease), the present treatment for chronic kidney disease does not dramatically improve the quality of life for most patients with kidney disease. Dialysis and renal transplantation both represent notable challenges for health care providers. Further, this condition can have a devastating impact on the overall health of the individual. Thus, in order to effectively meet this objective, DHHS will have to consider more preventative measures as a central means to reduce the onset of kidney dysfunction. Only by addressing this area will it be possible to reduce the negative health consequences that are associated with this disease.

The strategy outlined in the following paragraphs are aimed at addressing this problem.

Learning Program for Hispanic Aggregate

The first level of addressing this problem will be research. Research and survey results are used to identify the greatest need. The resulting learning program will focus on three specific intended outcomes: First, to offer information and strategies regarding the warning signs and conditions that may lead to kidney disease and failure; and second, to offer information on how to identify existing kidney conditions and obtain assistance to manage these; the third intended outcome will be to provide information on lifestyle habits such as nutrition and exercise that could help to prevent kidney disease and conditions that can lead to it.

To reach out to the community, community institutions such as schools, churches, and workplaces will be contacted with information about the learning program and its importance. The learning program will then be implemented on the strength of two platforms. First, teams will be sent to visit schools, workplaces, hospitals, and so on, where a significant risk of kidney disease and other conditions has been identified. An appointment will be made for three sessions, each of which will focus on a specific component of the program, i.e. prevention, management, and lifestyle choices.

A program will also be offered on a monthly basis, whereby central premises will be rented for three days in order to offer the three components. This program will then be offered free of charge to those who choose to attend. Advertisements will be placed in local newspapers, in doctors' offices, at hospitals, supermarkets, schools, and the like.

In order to implement such a program, community leaders will need to be contacted for approval and assistance in helping interested people to become involved in the program. In the long-term, it is envisioned that community members themselves can be trained to offer the program at their workplaces or schools, or at general community centers.

Policy Implementation: Health care

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