Diversity reply wk 5

 Please write a 300 word reply to my classmate, her discussion post is below. APA format. NO AI. My professor is a stickler for AI. PLEASE NO AI. scholarly written, APA formatted and a minimum of 3 references (which may include the course textbook). 

"Annie: The expansion of primary care services and the use of telehealth by Advanced Practice Nurse (APRNs) offer solutions to access and continuity of care issues. APRNS need to understand the factors beyond just access that shape health behaviors in underserved rural communities. Coombs et al. (2022) state that healthcare providers identified social, cultural, and programmatic barriers as the primary reason for disparities in rural healthcare delivery. Individual factors may include a patient's culture, financial difficulties, or a lack of resources in their community. By providing culturally sensitive, patient-centered care, APRNs can build stronger bonds with their patients, thereby increasing trust and adherence to treatment plans.

Laws restricting nurse practitioners' scope of practice that mandate physician involvement impede APRNs from delivering prompt care, particularly in underserved areas already short on doctors. Eliminating these barriers and allowing NPs to practice to the full extent of their education and training can eliminate disparities in healthcare. According to Plemmons et al. (2023), increasing nurse practitioner autonomy in states is linked to better access to care, and full practice authority has the potential to reduce disparities in primary care access.

It's crucial for APRNs to advocate for additional benefits to attract providers to rural, underserved areas. These incentives might include loan repayment assistance, scholarships earmarked for rural practice, specialized rural training initiatives, and the cultivation of supportive work settings. By stepping into leadership or mentoring positions, APRNs can guide others toward recognizing the advantages of practicing in rural settings.

APRNs can set up shop in local community health centers to help tackle disparities head-on. By partnering with local schools, civic organizations, and faith-based organizations, APRNs can provide screenings, prevention services, and early interventions. Providing preventative care in rural areas will help reduce the impact of chronic disease seen when patients delay seeking care.

References

Nicholas C. Coombs, Duncan G. Campbell, & James Caringi. (2022). A qualitative study of rural healthcare providers’ views of social, cultural, and programmatic barriers to healthcare access. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-07829-2

Plemmons, A., Shakya, S., Cato, K., Sadarangani, T., Poghosyan, L., & Timmons, E. (2023). Exploring the Relationship between Nurse Practitioner Full Practice Authority, Nurse Practitioner Workforce Diversity, and Disparate Primary Care Access. Policy, Politics & Nursing Practice, 24(1), 26–35. https://doi.org/10.1177/15271544221138047"