NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4

NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4 Caring for Special Populations Teaching Presentation

Student Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX4015 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Physical Assessment: A Holistic Approach to Patient-Centered Care

Prof. Name:

Date

Caring for Special Populations Teaching Presentation

Good day, everyone. I hope this message finds you well. My name is ___, and today, I will be discussing the unique healthcare challenges faced by homeless or housing-insecure individuals. This presentation will also focus on strategies for delivering culturally competent nursing care to enhance health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Introduction to the Special Population Group

Housing insecurity refers to the lack of stable, adequate, and affordable housing, which increases the risks of eviction, overcrowding, and homelessness. Individuals facing housing insecurity often live in temporary shelters, motels, or with family and friends due to financial difficulties. These individuals may frequently relocate or endure unsafe living conditions, which heightens their vulnerability to chronic stress and adverse health outcomes.

People with disabilities, low-income families, and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, which worsens socioeconomic disparities. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC, 2023), about 11 million households—representing one in four individuals out of 44.1 million renters in the United States—struggle with housing affordability. These individuals often face financial hardship and are at risk of eviction or being unable to afford rent.

Healthcare Disparities Faced by Homeless Individuals

Individuals experiencing housing insecurity face significant healthcare challenges. These challenges often result in delayed care due to cost, lack of insurance, and transportation barriers. The consequences include an increased risk of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases due to poor living conditions and limited access to nutritious food (Fitzpatrick & Willis, 2021). Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are common as a result of financial stress and housing instability. The absence of stable housing further complicates medication adherence and contributes to frequent emergency department visits, preventable hospitalizations, and untreated medical conditions.

In 2019, the average rent for a home was $520 per month, but individuals with very low incomes could only afford $283, creating a substantial gap between what individuals can afford and the actual cost of housing (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2023). Addressing healthcare disparities in this population requires integrating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) into care models. Community-based programs offering mobile health services, mental health counseling, and housing assistance are crucial in mitigating these challenges. Expanding Medicaid eligibility and strengthening social support networks can help improve healthcare access and outcomes (Willison et al., 2021).

Cultural Values and Beliefs Relevant to Healthcare

Providing culturally sensitive nursing care to housing-insecure individuals requires an understanding of their unique challenges and health disparities. Many individuals in this group prioritize basic survival over medical care, which often leads to untreated chronic conditions and delayed treatment for acute illnesses. One solution is the implementation of mobile health clinics that bring care directly to shelters and community centers, reducing transportation barriers and improving access to preventive services (Rennert et al., 2024).

Housing-insecure individuals often distrust healthcare systems due to past negative experiences and perceived discrimination. As Hernandez et al. (2021) suggest, nurses must build trust through respectful, nonjudgmental communication and trauma-informed care. Cultural competence training helps healthcare providers recognize and respect diverse backgrounds, thereby improving patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. Financial instability and lack of identification documents prevent many from obtaining medical services, and nurses can assist by connecting patients to social workers and community resources offering low-cost or free healthcare. Partnerships with local food pantries and housing agencies can help address SDOH and promote long-term well-being (Garcia et al., 2024). By integrating culturally responsive strategies, nurses can reduce healthcare disparities and improve outcomes for housing-insecure populations.

Table: Culturally Competent Nursing Care Strategies

Strategy	Description
Self-Reflection and Education	Nurses should recognize their biases and understand how cultural values influence health beliefs and behaviors.
Cultural Practices Recognition	Healthcare providers should acknowledge alternative medicine, dietary restrictions, and spiritual traditions.
Culturally Appropriate Communication	Use interpreters, avoid medical jargon, and incorporate visual aids to bridge language barriers.
Collective Decision-Making	Involve family members and community leaders in care planning to align treatment with patients’ values.
Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges	Offer flexible appointment scheduling and use mobile health services to improve accessibility.
Professional Development in Cultural Competence	Continuous education helps nurses navigate complex healthcare interactions and reduces disparities.

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. Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. https://www.bhchp.org/services/street-team/

Deering, M. (2024, May 3). Cultural competence in nursing. NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/cultural-competence-in-nursing/

Fitzpatrick, K. M., & Willis, D. E. (2021). Homeless and hungry: Food insecurity in the land of plenty. Food Security, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-020-01115-x

Garcia, C., Doran, K., & Kushel, M. (2024). Homelessness and health: Factors, evidence, innovations that work, and policy recommendations. Health Affairs, 43(2), 164–171. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2023.01049

Hernandez, N. C., Leal, L. M. R., & Brito, M. J. M. (2021). Building culturally competent compassion in nurses caring for vulnerable populations. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(4), 089801012110627. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211062708

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. NLIHC. 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, 100550–100550. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhip.2024.100550