mental disorders. According to health care for special populations, financial burden and unstable living conditions commonly contribute to medication non-compliance, avoidable hospitalization, and an increase in ED visits. These disparities need to be addressed by the incorporation of the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) into the care models. These obstacles can be overcome by using community-based solutions like mobile health programs, mental health counseling, and home building. To ensure that the treatment, in treating this group of people, remains sensitive to their different experiences, NURS FPX 4015 assessment 4 points out the employment of trauma-informed care within the medical field. Care for special populations emphasizes the need to apply the policy measures to increase access to health care, including the increase in Medicaid availability and the improvement of community support programs (Willison et al., 2021).
Cultural Values and Beliefs in Care Delivery
Understanding the unique needs and preferences of those experiencing housing insecurity is a crucial first step in providing culturally sensitive nursing care. Many people will prioritize on getting by, paying little attention to healthcare, which will lead to people developing untreated chronic illnesses and receiving late diagnoses. The concepts of special populations emphasize how mobile health clinics can be used to increase access to acute and preventative care by offering services at shelters and community centers (Rennert et al., 2024). This group of people frequently lacks trust in healthcare systems, which is typically caused by discrimination or negative past experiences. According to Hernandez et al. (2021), building trust is a duty for nurses that should be fulfilled by civil, nonjudgmental communication and trauma-informed care. According to NURS FPX 4015 assessment 4, cultural competency training equips nurses to recognize and respect patients’ diverse backgrounds, improving patient interactions and care plan responses.
Healthcare Disparities Faced by Homeless Populations
According to Caring for Special Populations, social stigmatization, lack of continuity in care, and financial background are some of the main factors contributing to the rise in health disparities among people experiencing housing instability. Even when the condition is avoidable, the majority of them visit emergency rooms because they lack primary care physicians. According to NURS FPX 4015 assessment 4, the ensuing consequences include a higher risk of death, an increase in hospitalizations, and the exacerbation of chronic illnesses (Garcia et al., 2024). Additionally, a lack of access to screening and vaccination raises the chance of contracting infectious diseases.
Due to their complexity, this group will require the following strategies:
- Families with children frequently experience gaps in pediatric treatment and disruptions in their education;
- Older homeless persons struggle to manage chronic illnesses.
- Veterans are more likely to experience mental health issues and substance abuse
- LGBTQ+ kids who experience homelessness as a result of family rejection may be more susceptible to violence and exploitation (Miller, 2021).
NURS FPX 4015 assessment 4 highlights the importance of trauma-informed nursing practices and mobile clinics in overcoming challenges and building trust. For example, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (2024) integrates medical, mental health, and substance use treatment into shelters and outreach programs for the homeless.
Strategies for Delivering Culturally Competent Nursing Care
The concept of a special population emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in ensuring that people from varied backgrounds receive fair, individualized, and respectful healthcare treatment. The following are the main tactics:
- Individual bias is acknowledged, and the ways in which cultural beliefs shape health perception are understood through personal reflection and training.
- Cultural practices, such as what they are identified as? Observe the spiritual traditions, nutritional restrictions, and other ways of treatment.
- The emphasis on culturally sensitive communication in Caring for special groups includes using visual aids, avoiding medical terminology, and enlisting translators (Deering, 2024).
- Family members and local authorities are included in the care planning process through shared decision-making.
- Offering flexible timings and utilizing mobile clinics might help remove socioeconomic barriers.
- To improve patient involvement, professional development continues to educate oneself on cultural competency (Hernandez et al., 2021).
Conclusion
Managing housing-insecure populations necessitates a thorough, culturally sensitive strategy that integrates social determinants of health, trauma-responsive treatment, and community-based interventions, according to NURS FPX 4015 assessment 4. Reducing those inequities requires extensive support networks, policy changes, and mobile health outreach. Caring for special people, building trust, lowering treatment barriers, and honoring cultural norms are all ways that nurses can significantly enhance the health of this underprivileged community.
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/
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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., Gezer, F., Jayawardena, I., Howard, K. A., Bennett, K. J., Litwin, A. H., & Sease, K. K. (2024). Mobile health clinics for distribution of vaccinations to underserved communities during health emergencies: A COVID-19 case study. Public Health in Practice, 8, 100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100550
Grants for the Benefit of Homeless Individuals (GBHI). (2023). Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/communities/homelessness-programs-resources/grants/gbhi
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