Practicum Project Part 3

The assignments in this course are interrelated and based on a practicum experience. The assignments culminate in a final presentation submitted during week 10.  As a nurse, you understand the challenges facing under-served populations.  For this practicum assignment, you will identify a vulnerable, at-risk population in your community.  You will examine the challenges currently facing members of this group and the resources available to assist them.  You will gather information from a variety of sources and interview a professional who is involved in the provision of services to this group.  A vulnerable or at-risk population can be defined as a population with a common identified risk factor or risk exposure presenting a threat to health. Examples of at-risk populations include, but are not limited to the following:

· Urban or rural individuals and families living at or below the poverty line

· Immigrants and non-English-speaking individuals

· Stigmatized or marginalized groups

· Undocumented workers

· Incarcerated individuals

· The homeless

· The mentally ill 

This five-part assignment is submitted in weeks 3, 5, 8, and 10.  Please refer to the Practicum Assignment link on the navigation pane for an explanation of all steps.  Please read it in its entirety before starting.  

You will work on this assignment over weeks 1-3.  It is submitted at the end of week 3.  In this assignment, you will:

1. Identify your vulnerable, at-risk population of interest.

2. Complete a needs assessment, analyzing data available through scholarly references that is specific to the identified population. At least 3 references should be used to complete the needs assessment

3. Present your needs assessment data by filling out the attached worksheet below. Fill out the chart and answer the questions listed on the worksheet. Attach a reference page to the worksheet to list your references utilized in step 2.

4. Save and submit your assignment to the Week 3 Drop Box. 

Use this document. Do not change the formatting. This is not a formal, APA style research paper, although you are expected to cite sources as needed using APA format.

Week 3: Needs Assessment

Provide an overview of the at-risk group you are investigating and its presence in your community. Provide any available demographic data.

The homeless population in Florida is a vulnerable group, with an estimated 25,810 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2022 (Florida Health CHARTS, 2022). Despite some reduction in homelessness rates over the years, Florida still has the nation's third-highest homeless population (Homeless Voice, 2022). The demographic is diverse, including families, veterans, and individuals categorized as chronically homeless (Florida Times-Union, 2023).

Why are you interested in studying this group?

Studying this group can help identify the root causes of homelessness and understand the multifaceted challenges they face, enabling better-targeted interventions and support systems.

Complete the following chart. Be as specific to your community (city or county) as possible. Common sources of data include: US Census data, Chamber of Commerce, community libraries, social service agencies, US Department of Labor, the Department of Public Health and Department of Education.

Based on the information you gathered and what you find in the literature, address the following questions:

1. What are the primary health concerns for this group?

The primary health concerns for the homeless population in Florida include mental health issues, substance abuse, and a higher mortality rate. The shift in reporting from total incidences of mental illness and substance abuse to only chronic or severe cases led to a significant drop in reported figures in 2017 compared to 2016. However, in 2016, it was found that 33.2% of homeless individuals were suffering from substance abuse and 34.2% from mental illness (Homeless Voice, n.d.). Additionally, a report highlighted a 33% rise in the mortality rate among the homeless population, indicating a severe health disparity (Florida Phoenix, n.d.).

2. How does the care provided to this population differ from the care provided to other populations?

The provision of healthcare services to the homeless population differs significantly from that provided to other populations. Barriers such as lack of insurance, financial constraints, and potential stigmatization often hinder the homeless population's access to healthcare services. Furthermore, the transient nature of homelessness makes continuous care and treatment adherence challenging.

3. Explain how health inequalities impact healthcare access and delivery for this group.

Health inequalities significantly impact the healthcare access and delivery for the homeless population in Florida. The lack of stable housing, financial resources, and the prevalence of mental health issues and substance abuse contribute to the health disparities faced by this population. These inequalities often lead to delayed or inadequate healthcare, exacerbating health conditions and creating a cycle of poor health outcomes.

4. What impact does this under-served population have on the healthcare delivery systems in your area?

The presence of a sizable homeless population in Florida may strain local healthcare delivery systems, particularly emergency services, leading to higher healthcare costs. The frequent use of emergency departments for non-emergency conditions, lack of preventive care, and the high prevalence of chronic illnesses can overburden healthcare facilities, impacting the quality and cost of care.

5. How might this affect nursing practice?

The unique health and social needs of the homeless population in Florida may necessitate specialized training for nurses to foster a more holistic, empathetic, and effective approach to care. The understanding and addressing of the complex social determinants of health, including housing instability, will likely require multidisciplinary approaches and collaborations between healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations to improve health outcomes for the homeless population.

References

For each of the areas that you explored in week3, identify the community strengths and resources that currently exist.

Part 1: Complete the following chart. Be as specific to your community as possible. Common sources of data include: Chamber of Commerce, community libraries, social service agencies, newspapers, agency personnel. In addition to these sources, you will interview someone who is actively engaged with the at-risk population you are investigating.

Part 2: Provide information on the organization and person interviewed

Organization’s name:

URL of the organization’s website

Person interviewed

Interviewee’s title and role in the organization

Email address of the person interviewed

Provide a one paragraph summary of the key take-aways from the interview.

Submit a digital audio or transcribed version of the interview to Blackboard.

(IN THIS CASE IT WOULD BE A TRANSCRIBED VERSION)

Subject: Reducing Health Disparities among Florida’s Homeless Population

1. Description of the Disparity

In 2022, Florida was home to approximately 25,810 homeless individuals, ranking it third in the nation for its homeless population (Florida Health CHARTS, 2022). Among this diverse group that encompasses families, veterans, and the chronically homeless, there exists a significant health disparity concerning mental health and substance abuse. Data from 2016 illustrates that 33.2% of this population suffers from substance abuse, while 34.2% face mental health challenges (Homeless Voice, n.d.). This is further accentuated by the reported 33% rise in mortality rates among the homeless, marking a grave health concern (Florida Phoenix, n.d.).

2. Influences of the Disparity on Healthcare Delivery

The health disparities faced by the homeless population in Florida profoundly affect our healthcare system:

· Strain on Emergency Services: The homeless frequently resort to emergency departments for non-emergent issues due to lack of access to regular medical care. This strains emergency services, diverting resources from genuine emergencies.

· Higher Healthcare Costs: The delayed and fragmented care often received by the homeless leads to exacerbated health issues, translating into higher costs for the healthcare system.

· Quality of Care: The substantial health needs of the homeless, coupled with their frequent use of emergency services, can overstretch healthcare facilities, potentially reducing the quality of care for all patients.

3. Influences on Similar Populations Globally

The health disparities observed within Florida's homeless population mirror those faced by similar groups in other countries. Homelessness, coupled with mental health and substance abuse issues, is a global concern. Countries with significant homeless populations, such as India, Brazil, and parts of Africa, face similar strains on their healthcare systems (Bowen et al., 2019). The continuous cycle of poor health outcomes stemming from homelessness serves as a stark reminder of the universal nature of this challenge and its implications on global health equity.

4. Recommendations

To alleviate this disparity and improve healthcare for the homeless in Florida, I propose the following recommendations:

· Specialized Healthcare Clinics: Establish clinics focused on serving the homeless population. These clinics can provide regular check-ups, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment (Bowen et al., 2019). Being tailored for the homeless, they can also consider flexibility in operating hours and potentially mobile services to reach scattered populations.

· Nurse Training: Equip nurses with specialized training to address the unique needs of the homeless. This can include understanding the social determinants affecting their health, fostering trust, and guiding them to relevant social services (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).

· Preventative Care: Emphasize and provide preventative healthcare services, like vaccination drives and regular screenings, targeting common illnesses among the homeless (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).

· Community Partnerships: Partner with local NGOs, shelters, and community organizations to ensure a holistic approach (Koh & O’Connell, 2016). Such collaborations can provide a nexus between housing, healthcare, and other essential services.

· Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch awareness campaigns highlighting the health disparities faced by the homeless. This can not only enhance public empathy but also garner support for initiatives targeting their wellbeing (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).

· Leverage Technology: Utilize telemedicine and mobile apps to provide healthcare services and resources, especially beneficial given the potential mobility and transportation challenges faced by the homeless (Koh & O’Connell, 2016).

In conclusion, the health disparities faced by Florida's homeless population are significant and multifaceted. By addressing them head-on with the proposed strategies, we can not only improve healthcare for this vulnerable group but also enhance our overall healthcare system, reducing costs and strains on emergency services. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every resident, regardless of their housing status, has access to quality healthcare.

Thank you for considering this proposal. I am confident that, with concerted efforts, we can make meaningful progress in addressing this pressing issue.

References

Bowen, E., Savino, R., & Irish, A. (2019). Homelessness and health disparities: a health equity lens.  Homelessness prevention and intervention in social work: Policies, programs, and practices, 57-83. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334047935_Homelessness_and_Health_Disparities_A_Health_Equity_Lens

Florida Health CHARTS. (2022). Homeless Estimate, Single Year Alachua Florida. Florida Department of Health. https://www.flhealthcharts.gov/ChartsReports/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=NonVitalIndNoGrpCounts.DataViewer&cid=8675  

Florida Phoenix. (n.d.). High mortality rate of homeless highlighted in new report. https://floridaphoenix.com/2023/04/10/high-mortality-rate-of-homeless-highlighted-in-new-report/

Homeless Voice. (n.d.). Florida De-Emphasizes Effects of Mental Health and Substance Abuse. https://homelessvoice.org/florida-de-emphasizes-effects-of-mental-health-and-substance-use-on-homeless-population/

Koh, H. K., & O’Connell, J. J. (2016). Improving health care for homeless people.  Jama,  316(24), 2586-2587. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2594705

The assignments in this course are interrelated and based on a practicum experience. The assignments culminate in a final presentation submitted during week 10.  As a nurse, you understand the challenges facing under-served populations.  For this practicum assignment, you will identify a vulnerable, at-risk population in your community.  You will examine the challenges currently facing members of this group and the resources available to assist them.  You will gather information from a variety of sources and interview a professional who is involved in the provision of services to this group.  A vulnerable or at-risk population can be defined as a population with a common identified risk factor or risk exposure presenting a threat to health. Examples of at-risk populations include, but are not limited to the following:

· Urban or rural individuals and families living at or below the poverty line

· Immigrants and non-English-speaking individuals

· Stigmatized or marginalized groups

· Undocumented workers

· Incarcerated individuals

· The homeless

· The mentally ill 

This five-part assignment is submitted in weeks 3, 5, 8, and 10.  Please refer to the Practicum Assignment link on the navigation pane for an explanation of all steps.  Please read it in its entirety before starting.  

You will work on this assignment over weeks 1-3.  It is submitted at the end of week 3.  In this assignment, you will:

1. Identify your vulnerable, at-risk population of interest.

2. Complete a needs assessment, analyzing data available through scholarly references that is specific to the identified population. At least 3 references should be used to complete the needs assessment

3. Present your needs assessment data by filling out the attached worksheet below. Fill out the chart and answer the questions listed on the worksheet. Attach a reference page to the worksheet to list your references utilized in step 2.

4. Save and submit your assignment to the Week 3 Drop Box. 

Use this document. Do not change the formatting. This is not a formal, APA style research paper, although you are expected to cite sources as needed using APA format.

Week 3: Needs Assessment

Provide an overview of the at-risk group you are investigating and its presence in your community. Provide any available demographic data.

The homeless population in Florida is a vulnerable group, with an estimated 25,810 individuals experiencing homelessness in 2022 (Florida Health CHARTS, 2022). Despite some reduction in homelessness rates over the years, Florida still has the nation's third-highest homeless population (Homeless Voice, 2022). The demographic is diverse, including families, veterans, and individuals categorized as chronically homeless (Florida Times-Union, 2023).

Why are you interested in studying this group?

Studying this group can help identify the root causes of homelessness and understand the multifaceted challenges they face, enabling better-targeted interventions and support systems.

Complete the following chart. Be as specific to your community (city or county) as possible. Common sources of data include: US Census data, Chamber of Commerce, community libraries, social service agencies, US Department of Labor, the Department of Public Health and Department of Education.

Based on the information you gathered and what you find in the literature, address the following questions:

1. What are the primary health concerns for this group?

The primary health concerns for the homeless population in Florida include mental health issues, substance abuse, and a higher mortality rate. The shift in reporting from total incidences of mental illness and substance abuse to only chronic or severe cases led to a significant drop in reported figures in 2017 compared to 2016. However, in 2016, it was found that 33.2% of homeless individuals were suffering from substance abuse and 34.2% from mental illness (Homeless Voice, n.d.). Additionally, a report highlighted a 33% rise in the mortality rate among the homeless population, indicating a severe health disparity (Florida Phoenix, n.d.).

2. How does the care provided to this population differ from the care provided to other populations?

The provision of healthcare services to the homeless population differs significantly from that provided to other populations. Barriers such as lack of insurance, financial constraints, and potential stigmatization often hinder the homeless population's access to healthcare services. Furthermore, the transient nature of homelessness makes continuous care and treatment adherence challenging.

3. Explain how health inequalities impact healthcare access and delivery for this group.

Health inequalities significantly impact the healthcare access and delivery for the homeless population in Florida. The lack of stable housing, financial resources, and the prevalence of mental health issues and substance abuse contribute to the health disparities faced by this population. These inequalities often lead to delayed or inadequate healthcare, exacerbating health conditions and creating a cycle of poor health outcomes.

4. What impact does this under-served population have on the healthcare delivery systems in your area?

The presence of a sizable homeless population in Florida may strain local healthcare delivery systems, particularly emergency services, leading to higher healthcare costs. The frequent use of emergency departments for non-emergency conditions, lack of preventive care, and the high prevalence of chronic illnesses can overburden healthcare facilities, impacting the quality and cost of care.

5. How might this affect nursing practice?

The unique health and social needs of the homeless population in Florida may necessitate specialized training for nurses to foster a more holistic, empathetic, and effective approach to care. The understanding and addressing of the complex social determinants of health, including housing instability, will likely require multidisciplinary approaches and collaborations between healthcare providers, social workers, and community organizations to improve health outcomes for the homeless population.

References