NURS FPX 6616 Assessment 2 Summary Report on Rural Health Care And Affordable Solutions

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Capella university

NURS-FPX 6616 Ethical and Legal Considerations in Care Coordination

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Summary Report on Rural Health Care and Affordable Solutions

This report focuses on enhancing healthcare services for individuals with hypertension in Jefferson County, Alabama. It emphasizes the importance of cultural competency, as the region’s diverse population presents specific health beliefs and barriers to managing hypertension. The healthcare team must implement culturally sensitive approaches to ensure effective and personalized care.

In addition, the report explores legal and ethical considerations in providing hypertension treatment, particularly around issues such as patient privacy, informed consent, and ensuring fair access to care. The adoption of technological solutions will be a key focus to improve treatment adherence, monitor patient health, and address healthcare access challenges in rural settings, all while upholding ethical care standards.

Specific Population Needs and Community

Jefferson County, Alabama, with a population of 672,265 in 2022 and a poverty rate of 15.9%, faces critical health challenges, including hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In 2019, 40% of adults in Jefferson County reported having high blood pressure (Alabama Department of Public Health, n.d.). Moreover, only less than 1 in 4 of those affected have it under control (Jefferson County Department of Health, 2018). Hypertension remains difficult to manage in this rural area due to barriers such as limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic difficulties, and low health literacy, leading to higher rates of complications and mortality (Kuehn, 2020).

As a care coordination consultant in Jefferson County, addressing these healthcare disparities and proposing solutions for improved hypertension management is essential. The cultural diversity within the county, particularly among African American and low-income populations, highlights the need for cultural competency training. This approach will allow healthcare providers to create tailored care plans that respect patients’ cultural values, health beliefs, and preferences, ultimately leading to better outcomes and reduced disparities.

Current Available Interprofessional Team Providers and Resources

The interprofessional team providers available in Jefferson County at Jefferson Healthcare Medical Center include primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dietitians, and community health workers. Additionally, specialists like cardiologists may visit the rural area on a limited basis. Despite their efforts, managing chronic conditions like hypertension is challenging due to healthcare access limitations.

Telehealth partners in the region can provide critical support by enabling remote consultations with specialists, facilitating real-time patient monitoring, and offering virtual follow-ups. This integration can significantly expand the reach of local providers by giving patients easier access to hypertension management services without the need for frequent travel. Telehealth also allows for real-time monitoring of blood pressure and medication adherence, providing immediate feedback and adjustments (Eggerth et al., 2020).

Other stakeholders involved may include public health organizations, local hospitals, and community outreach programs. These groups can collaborate with telehealth providers to educate patients about hypertension management, ensure access to necessary technology, and provide resources like mobile health units or Wi-Fi hotspots (Spaulding et al., 2024). This holistic approach enhances the interprofessional team’s capacity to deliver effective hypertension care in rural Jefferson County.

Areas of Cultural Competency to be Addressed in Team

In Jefferson County, Alabama, cultural competence is essential for the interprofessional healthcare team due to the population’s diverse composition, with 42.6% African American and 48.9% white residents (Data USA, 2022). These demographic groups have unique health beliefs, practices, and social determinants that influence how they perceive and manage chronic conditions like hypertension.

For example, African American communities may experience mistrust of the healthcare system due to historical injustices, which can impact their willingness to engage in care (Best et al., 2021). The team must address several key areas of cultural competency. First, understanding cultural perspectives on illness, particularly hypertension, is vital. By respecting these views, the team can develop culturally aligned care plans, which increases patient adherence and trust in medical recommendations (Schutte et al., 2022).

Another area of focus is communication. Many residents in rural areas, especially those with lower socioeconomic status, may have limited health literacy. Ensuring that care instructions are simple, clear, and delivered in culturally relevant ways is crucial for effective hypertension management. Cultural competency enhances care coordination by improving trust, communication, and patient-centered care, which leads to better health outcomes (Yao et al., 2021). By addressing the specific cultural needs of Jefferson County’s population, the interprofessional team can work more collaboratively to manage hypertension effectively.

Technology-Based Outreach Strategies

To improve hypertension care in Jefferson County, Alabama, three key technology-based outreach strategies can be implemented: mobile health apps and remote monitoring devices. (Rush et al., 2018). Mobile health apps, such as Heart 360 and Omron Connect, provide another powerful tool for managing hypertension. These apps allow patients to monitor their blood pressure, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes while offering educational resources tailored to their health literacy levels. Research shows that mobile health interventions can significantly lower blood pressure in underserved populations (Luštrek et al., 2021).

Furthermore, the use of remote monitoring devices enables patients to track their blood pressure at home and share this data with healthcare providers in real-time. This continuous monitoring allows for timely adjustments to treatment plans, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits and providing a personalized care experience (Kario, 2020). By integrating these technology-based strategies with local outreach efforts, Jefferson County can significantly enhance hypertension care and improve health outcomes for its rural residents.

Legal Issues with Telehealth

When implementing telehealth services in Jefferson County to improve hypertension care, it is crucial to consider the legal issues associated with this technology. One significant concern is the need for compliance with state regulations on telehealth, including licensing laws that require healthcare providers to be licensed in the state where the patient resides. In Alabama, providers must follow state telemedicine guidelines, which dictate who can practice via telehealth and under what conditions.

Additionally, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates strict data privacy and security standards to protect patients’ sensitive health information when using telehealth platforms. Failing to comply with HIPAA can lead to severe legal repercussions, including fines and legal actions (Kaplan, 2020).

Continuation of Ethical Care in Updated System

The updated telehealth system for hypertension management in Jefferson County ensures the continuation of ethical care by promoting equitable access, patient autonomy, and secure communication. Telehealth aligns with the ethical principle of justice by providing rural populations access to healthcare services that would otherwise be difficult to reach, reducing disparities in care.

It also supports beneficence by enabling continuous monitoring and timely interventions, improving patient outcomes while fostering autonomy by empowering patients to take an active role in their health management (Nittari et al., 2020). Adherence to non-maleficence and HIPAA standards ensures patient confidentiality and security, preserving trust between patients and providers. Research demonstrates that telehealth enhances patient satisfaction and care quality, making it an ethical, sustainable solution for future healthcare delivery (Keenan et al., 2020).

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing hypertension care in Jefferson County, Alabama, requires a multifaceted approach that integrates cultural competence, legal and ethical considerations, and technology-based outreach strategies. By fostering culturally sensitive care that respects the diverse beliefs of the population, implementing telehealth to bridge healthcare access gaps, and ensuring compliance with legal and privacy standards, the healthcare system can effectively manage hypertension in this rural community.

These efforts will lead to improved patient outcomes, greater adherence to treatment plans, and a more equitable healthcare system that aligns with ethical principles and promotes long-term sustainability.

References

Alabama Department of Public Health. (n.d.). Cardiovascular diseases. Alabama Department of Public Health.

https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/healthrankings/assets/2020_sha_health_indicator_8.pdf 

Best, A. L., Fletcher, F. E., Kadono, M., & Warren, R. C. (2021). Institutional distrust among African Americans and building trustworthiness in the COVID-19 response: Implications for ethical public health practice. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 32(1), 90–98. https://doi.org/10.1353/hpu.2021.0010 

Data USA. (2022). Jefferson County, AL | Data USA. Datausa.io. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/jefferson-county-al#demographics 

Eggerth, A., Hayn, D., & Schreier, G. (2020). Medication management needs information and communications technology‐based approaches, including telehealth and artificial intelligence. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 86(10). https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.14045 

NURS FPX 6616 Assessment 2 Summary Report on Rural Health Care And Affordable Solutions

Jefferson County Department of Health. (2018). High blood pressure management program. Jcdh.org. https://www.jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/CommunityHealth/LetsGetDown35211.aspx 

Kaplan, B. (2020, October 26). PHI Protection under HIPAA: An overall Analysis. Papers.ssrn.com. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3833983 

Kario, K. (2020). Management of hypertension in the digital era. Hypertension, 76(3), 640–650. https://doi.org/10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.14742 

Keenan, A. J., Tsourtos, G., & Tieman, J. (2020). The value of applying ethical principles in telehealth practices: Systematic review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(3). https://doi.org/10.2196/25698 

NURS FPX 6616 Assessment 2 Summary Report on Rural Health Care And Affordable Solutions

Kuehn, B. M. (2020). Hypertension rates in rural areas outpace those in urban locales. JAMA, 323(24), 2454. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.9382 

Luštrek, M., Bohanec, M., Barca, C. C., Ciancarelli, M. C., Clays, E., Dawodu, A. A., Derboven, J., Smedt, D. D., Dovgan, E., Lampe, J., Marino, F., Mlakar, M., Pioggia, G., Puddu, P. E., Rodríguez, J. M., Schiariti, M., Slapničar, G., Slegers, K., Tartarisco, G., & Valič, J. (2021). A personal health system for self-management of congestive heart failure (heartman): Development, technical evaluation, and proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial. JMIR Medical Informatics, 9(3), e24501. https://doi.org/10.2196/24501 

Nittari, G., Khuman, R., Baldoni, S., Pallotta, G., Battineni, G., Sirignano, A., Amenta, F., & Ricci, G. (2020). Telemedicine practice: Review of the current ethical and legal challenges. Telemedicine and E-Health, 26(12), 1427–1437. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2019.0158 

Schutte, A. E., Jafar, T. H., Poulter, N. R., Damasceno, A., Khan, N. A., Nilsson, P. M., Alsaid, J., Neupane, D., Kario, K., Beheiry, H., Brouwers, S., Burger, D., Charchar, F. J., Cho, M. C., Guzik, T. J., Haji Al-Saedi, G. F., Ishaq, M., Itoh, H., Jones, E. S. W., & Khan, T. (2022). Addressing global disparities in blood pressure control: Perspectives of the international society of hypertension. Cardiovascular Research. https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvac130 

NURS FPX 6616 Assessment 2 Summary Report on Rural Health Care And Affordable Solutions

Spaulding, E. M., Miller, H. N., Metlock, F. E., Chepkorir, J., Benjasirisan, C., Hladek, M. D., & Han, H.-R. (2024). Leveraging community Wi-Fi and spaces for digital health use. Frontiers in Public Health, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1418627 

Yao, M., Zhou, X., Xu, Z., Lehman, R., Haroon, S., Jackson, D., & Cheng, K. K. (2021). The impact of training healthcare professionals’ communication skills on the clinical care of diabetes and hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Family Practice, 22(1), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-021-01504-x