The Hispanic/Latino Population In Hialeah, Florida,
Evidence based intervention method.
Identifying a population and the intervention need is the first step in evidence based intervention. The selected population in this case is African Americans living in Hialeah. Florida. Life expectancy of the selected population has drastically reduced due to heart diseases and complications in the past ten years (Chamberlain College of Nursing, 2020). Heart diseases is a major concern in the African Americans especially in this region. It is the leading cause of mortality in Hialeah (Mendy, Vargas & El-sadek, 2016). A lot of health disparities are faced by the selected population. This is because the population lacks proper formal education which results in illiteracy in matters concerning their health. In addition, the lack of formal education means that majority of the population cannot get formal employment due to lack of skills further leading to poverty.
From this assessment, it is clear that the selected population needs an intervention to reduce disparities in health care. There exist differences among races in terms of health care. However, from research it is clear that most adults in the selected area have relatively poor cardiac health (Short, Gamble & Mendy, 2013). The aim of Healthy People 2020 is to improve cardiovascular health by treatment. Detection and prevention of associated risk factors (Short et al., 2013). Prevention can be done by smoking cessation, maintaining a healthy weight, physical exercises. And eating healthy (Short et al., 2013).
Detecting the disease can be done by regular checkups according to the schedule laid out by the physician. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia. Diabetes and hypertension are the associated risks of the disease that can be treated. Educating the population on treatment, detection and prevention of the associated risk factors of the heart disease can aid in implementing a prevention plan.
Ways in which the intervention method addresses the CLAS standards.
The intervention plan I have selected seeks to detect, prevent and treat risk factors linked to the cardiac disease. All interventions included address the standards of CLAS by continuous improvement, accountability and promoting engagement. Treatments, detection and prevention strategies encourage patient centered care and patient involvement. In order to achieve the intended goal of the intervention the selected population will have to be educated on the heart disease. It is important for the people to understand risk factors of the disease in order to be better prepared. Medium language of communication will be simple English. Further explanation of medical terminologies will be used in case the selected population is having difficulties understanding them. Goal here is to use the simplest language to make the population better understand the medical issue at hand. The Intervention plan will also seek to address standards of communication used in CLAS.
Professional experience on the topic.
According to my experience heart disease is a prevalent issue in many African American communities. It is attributed to poor health literacy. For instance, majority of the population is not aware of the different ways of preventing detecting and treating the heart disease and other associative factors. I view it as part of my duty as a professional to educate families and individuals on how to prevent the disease. Reason being I also have members of my family too affected by the cardiac disease. So the issue is of importance to me. By educating others I get to help in stabilizing and maintaining the disease.
As a professional I have also observed that humanity at large is a creature of habit. A patient may be educated and have a deeper understanding of the potential risks associated with the disease but will not pay attention. It is not until a scary event happens that an individual will want to change their behavior and lifestyle. For example, it may take a patient to suffer from a heart attack for them to completely quit smoking. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to be reminded time and again the risk factors associated with the disease. Further, patients who have gone through a near fatal experience can share their experiences in order to reinforce the idea. It is a good way for individuals to learn of what they are putting at risk.
References:
Chamberlain College of Nursing. (2020). NR-704 Week 1: Leading culturally and linguistically
appropriate healthcare. Retrieved from [Online lesson]. Downers Grove, IL; Adtalem.
Mendy, Vincent L.; Vargas, Rodolfo; El-sadek, Lamees. PLoS ONE. 8/12/2016, Vol. 11 Issue 8, p1-9. 9p. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161194., Database: Academic Search Complete
Short, Vanessa L.; Gamble, Abigail; Mendy, Vincent. Preventing Chronic Disease, 11/21/2013,
Vol. 10, p1-9, 9p, 3 Charts. Publisher: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention & Health
Promotion., Database: Complementary Index