FIU Healthcare inequalities persist among different racial and ethnic groups Research Paper

attached you will find the outline of the paper and papers submitted previously to conclude the research paper

topic: Healthcare inequalities persist among different racial and ethnic groups.

Health & Medical
1
Healthcare Inequalities Bibliography
Course Number
Student Name
Affiliated Institution
Date
Health & Medical
2
Healthcare Inequalities Bibliography
1.
Title: Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in Health Care: Impact on Perceived Quality of Care
Abstract: The present research examines perceived discrimination’s impact on healthcare
quality disparities among different racial groups. A cross-sectional examination of the 2003
California Health Interview Survey determined that African Americans and Asian/Pacific
Islanders reported inferior healthcare quality compared to non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics.
The study found a negative correlation between discrimination and healthcare quality ratings
among all racial and ethnic groups. The study findings indicate that the disparity in low-quality
care ratings between African Americans and whites can be entirely attributed to the perception of
discrimination. The results suggest that incorporating interventions to tackle patient perceptions
of discrimination may be pivotal to enhancing healthcare quality.
Authors: Sorkin D.H, Metzger Q.N, De Alba I (2010).
Journal: General Internal Medicine
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-010-1257-5
2.
Title: Investigating Health Equity and Healthcare Needs among Immigrant Women Using the
Association Rule Mining Method
Abstract: The present research investigates the correlation between socioeconomic attributes
and healthcare requirements among female immigrants residing in Taiwan. The 2008 “Survey of
Foreign and Chinese Spouses’ Living Requirements” yielded data indicating that the most
pressing healthcare requirements were medical allowances, child health checkups, and parental
Health & Medical
3
knowledge and pre- and post-natal guidance. The primary obstacle to fulfilling these
requirements was determined to be financial strain. The investigation further unveiled that
healthcare requirements were impacted by factors such as nationality, socioeconomic status, and
length of residency. The results emphasize the correlation between economic disparity and the
well-being of women, indicating the necessity of implementing policies that tackle these
concerns in order to avert additional health decline among female immigrants.
Authors: Tseng M.H, Wu H.C (2021).
Journal: Healthcare (Basel)
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020195
3.
Title: Measuring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health Care: Methods and Practical Issues
Abstract: The present study uses a systematic methodology to ascertain and quantify healthcare
inequalities based on race and ethnicity. The authors espouse the adoption of the Institute of
Medicine’s definition of disparities, which excludes variations attributable to clinical necessity
and personal preferences. This paper demonstrates the practical implementation of the
abovementioned definition through various empirical techniques. The analysis showcases how
discrepancies can be comprehended concerning mental healthcare services’ utilization and
financial outlay. The authors emphasize the significance of utilizing these techniques to
comprehend fundamental pathways of inequalities, which allows policymakers and healthcare
providers to tackle healthcare disparity more efficiently.
Authors: Le Cook B, McGuire T, Zaslavsky A (2012).
Journal: Health Service Research
Health & Medical
4
DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2012.01387.x
4.
Title: Income Inequality in Health at All Ages: A Comparison of the United States and England
Abstract: The present research investigates the inequities in health outcomes based on income
in the United States and England. The study encompasses a range of health conditions and risk
factors while accounting for diverse age groups and genders. Notwithstanding variations in
healthcare systems, substantial income disparities in health outcomes exist in both nations, which
remain unaltered by variables such as ethnicity, health-related conduct, or healthcare
accessibility. Notably, the gradient exhibits a greater degree of steepness for the female
population, thereby signifying a more pronounced influence of income on women’s health
outcomes. The findings emphasize the necessity of policy dialogues encompassing wider societal
concerns beyond healthcare and insurance to mitigate health disparities.
Authors: Martinson M (2012).
Journal: American Journal of Public Health
DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2012.01387.x
5.
Title: Inequalities in Health Care Experience of Patients with Chronic Conditions: Results from
a Population-Based Study
Abstract: The present research examines the discrepancies in healthcare encounters among
individuals with persistent ailments, contingent on sociodemographic and health-related factors.
The Basque Health Survey findings indicate that various factors, including gender, age,
Health & Medical
education level, comorbidities, specific chronic conditions, and quality of life, significantly
impact the healthcare experience. Women, individuals of advanced age, and those with lower
levels of education tend to report more negative experiences. The diverse backgrounds of
patients with multimorbidity highlight the necessity of tailored care approaches. The research
underscores the significance of comprehending these associations to enhance the caliber of
healthcare provision, particularly for individuals with persistent ailments.
Authors: Solinis R, Laresgoiti M, Lazaro E, Ponce S, Orueta J, Rodriguez M.E (2021).
Journal: Healthcare (Basel)
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9081005
5
The Impact of TV Advertisements on Elementary School Children’s Food Behaviors
Jane Doe
Panther ID #1234567
Florida International University
HSA 4700: Quality and Evidence- Based Healthcare Services; Section RVC
Dr. Carol Biggs
8/20/2021
THIS Sample IS NOT APA format. Make sure your submission is in APA format!
Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this review is to examine current research involving the association between
television food advertisement viewing among elementary school-age children and their food behaviors,
attitudes, and risks for obesity.
Methods: Research databases were reviewed using inclusion and exclusion criteria relevant to the
study’s objectives.
Design: Integrative review of recent primary research articles.
Results: All primary research studies reviewed supported an association between watching television
food advertisements and changes in food behaviors and attitudes. Some suggested food advertisement
content had a selective effect on food consumption choice while others did not. None clearly linked
television food advertisements with increases in child weight or obesity.
Conclusions: Television viewing of food advertisements among elementary children increase food
consumption patterns. It remains unclear whether these effects are generalized or selective to food
types. Likewise, it remains unclear if these food behavior changes are associated with child obesity risk.
Additional studies are need to examine these issues in an effort to guide public policy more effectively.
Keywords: Child obesity, television food advertisements, elementary school children.
Introduction
According to recent studies, it has been estimated that 37 percent of all school-age children are
either overweight or obese.1 Numerous factors have been identified as being related to this epidemic,
and these include changes in eating habits, reduced physical activity, increased sedentary activities,
changes in food access and offerings, and other social influences.2 One of the specific activities that has
been linked to rising obesity problems in children involves television watching. Longitudinal studies
show that increased screen time is directly linked to higher rates of overweight children.3 This not only
increases sedentary time but also has the potential to increasing snacking, which may involve caloriedense, poorly nutritious foods.4
With this in mind, food advertisements on television have the potential to influence children’s
behaviors that may affect obesity rates. It has been documented that unhealthy food advertisements
comprise a majority of television food commercials, and thus, concerns exist that this could negatively
affect children’s ability to have healthy weights.5 At the same time, food advertisements might also
represent a potential strategy to improve children’s weight status if healthy food commercials were
available.6 Understanding this, the purpose of this research review is to explore the effects that
television advertisements have on children in relation to their weight and risks for obesity by examining
recent research addressing this subject. The specific research question to be answered is how does
exposure of elementary school-age children to unhealthy television food advertisements affect obesity
risk compared to children without such exposure.
In an effort to explore this subject matter, a review of the literature will be provided as it
pertains to child obesity, television viewing and food advertisements. This will then lead into an analysis
of the methodologies and results of 5 primary research studies investigating this topic. Each will be
presented as an overview, and comparisons will be made among these research studies in an effort to
identify important revelations, information gaps, and areas where additional research is needed. This
will be concluded with a summary interpretation of the existing research literature along with
suggestions for public health policy change.
Literature Review
In the world today, over a third of children are either overweight or obese.7 Routinely, this is
determined by calculating body mass indices (BMI) of children. A BMI over 25 kg/m2 defines children as
overweight while a BMI over 30 kg/m2 reflects obesity.8 A rapid rise in obesity rates has been climbing
for over 3 decades, and numerous countries struggle with this epidemic. This public health crisis has led
many nations to explore causative factors as well as potential interventions.9 This is notably true on the
U.S., and many changes within schools and throughout communities have been made accordingly.10
Despite these efforts, obesity rates have not dramatically dropped, and therefore, additional research is
needed in an effort to guide more effective policies.
Key areas where efforts have been made involve food nutrition, food access, physical activity
guidance, sedentary activity restrictions, and nutrition education.11 Many of these interventions have
been employed in school settings since children spend a significant amount of time in school. Some of
these programs have also targeted parents and involved multiple interventions at once.12 Based on
larger reviews, it appears that multifaceted interventions that target several settings offer the best
results. This includes efforts to improve food choices, increase physical activity, and reduce sedentary
activity at home, school, and other environments.13
One area where children receive information about food and nutrition is from television
advertising. Most food commercials promote unhealthy foods, and children may be susceptible to such
information.14 Likewise, television-watching is a sedentary activity often accompanied by snacking and
beverage intake.15 Some reviews have suggested that public policies that restrict unhealthy food
advertisements may be helpful in reducing obesity rates in children. At the same time, promoting of
healthy foods and nutritional educational content may have a beneficial effect as well.16 Understanding
this, the literature supports exploring how public health policy might be used in relation to television ads
to reduce child obesity rates.
Methods
Several research articles were identified by exploring research databases for primary research related to
childhood obesity and television food advertising. These databases included Google Scholar, PubMed,
and CINAHL. Keywords searched included “child obesity,” “elementary school children,” “television
advertising,” and “food commercials.” Inclusion criteria for research articles collected required they
involve elementary school children, conduct primary research, assess food advertising in relation to
children weight outcomes or behaviors, and have an experimental design. Exclusion criteria omitted
studies prior to the year 2000, studies involving older children only or adults, and those not published in
the English language. Search results were initially reviewed by title for relevance, and for those relevant,
abstract was assessed. More than a dozen of the research articles was then evaluated in detail with 5
ultimately selected that met inclusion and exclusion criteria.
The first research study by Harris and colleagues involved a randomized controlled trial that
evaluated 118 children, ages 7 to 11 years.17 Half were randomized to an experimental group that
watched a 14-minute cartoon with food advertisements. The other half were randomized to a similar
length cartoon that had non-food advertisements. All participants were provided snacks and water for
consumption during the trial, and the number of snacks consumed for each group were tallied and
statistically analyzed using ANOVA statistics. The aim was to evaluate whether the immediate content of
the advertisements influenced the food being consumed while watching television.18
Dixon and researchers also used a randomized controlled test design but combined this with a
cross-sectional survey of 919 children who were attending 5th or 6th grade in Australia.19 In essence,
participants were placed in 3 different experimental groups or a control group. Experimental groups
were then exposed to junk food advertisements only while watching television, a combination of junk
food and non-junk food commercials, or non-junk food commercials. The control group watched no food
advertisements. A pre-test survey was performed on all participants that explored food knowledge,
attitudes, and behaviors for both healthy and unhealthy foods. This survey was then repeated after the
interventions were concluded. Responses were then assessed using ANOVA statistics with the purpose
of assessing the impact that television food advertisement content had on food knowledge, attitudes
and behaviors in this age-group.20
The third research study was conducted by Andreyeva and colleagues.21 In this cross-sectional
research study, a survey was administered to 55 different consumer markets involving thousands of
elementary school-age children and their families. The survey was part of the Early Childhood
Longitudinal Survey. This survey information was them compared to Nielson Company data that
contained fast-food, cereal, and sugar-sweetened beverage television advertisement content
occurrences. Based on watching patterns comparing this information, children’s weight and food
consumption reports from the survey were then reanalyzed using ANOVA statistic. In doing so, the
researchers hope to delineate patterns linking television food advertisement content to obesity and
food consumption behaviors.22
Another research study used a pre-test and post-test experimental design to assess 10
elementary school districts with over 22,000 children involved in the study. Hanks and researchers
divided students into 3 groups with some students being exposed to a banner in the cafeteria containing
vegetable cartoon characters; some students exposed to a short video segment about healthy foods
showing the same vegetable cartoon characters; and some being exposed to both the banner and the
video.23 Pre- and post-intervention food consumption behaviors were then collected and compared
using statistical analysis. In performing the study, the researchers hope to assess the impact and the
degree of effect the different healthy food advertisement interventions might have on nutritious food
consumption.24
Lastly, Halford and colleagues conducted an observation study with a crossover design where 42
children, ages 9 to 11 years, were recruited and determined to be lean, overweight, and obese based on
BMI.25 Pre-experimental questionnaires were administered to determine food consumption and
television viewing patterns. Subsequently, half of the participants watched a cartoon followed by 8 food
advertisements while the other half were watched the same cartoon and 8 non-food commercials.
Participants were then assessed in a post-test format to determine which ads they recalled watching.
The participants were then invited back and performed the same experiment but participated in the
opposite experience. Data was then collected from all students and compared based on body weight
data and advertisement recall. In doing so, the researchers wanted to assess whether food
advertisements affected food recall and weight while attempting to control for pre-existing behaviors.26
Results
In the study by Harris and colleagues, the researchers found that the children who were
exposed to food advertisements consumed 45 percent more than the children who watched nonfood
advertisements. 27 The increase that was seen in the children’s consumption behaviors were noted not
to be related to variations in hunger. Based on these findings, the authors concluded that food
advertisements prime automated eating behaviors in children. However, it was noteworthy that the
foods consumed were not necessarily similar to the ones advertised.28 In this regard, this study
suggests that food advertisements stimulate increased eating behaviors in general and not necessarily in
a specific way.
In the study by Dixon and coworkers, the results showed that higher rates of television watching
and exposure to junk food ads was associated with a significant increase in junk food consumption
among elementary school-age children.29 However, they also noted that higher rates of television
watching with healthy food advertisements increased the consumption of healthy foods. As a result, the
authors concluded that varying television advertisement content could be an effective way to promote
healthy food attitudes and behaviors in children and reduce junk food preferences.30 These findings
support the suspicion that food advertisements on television influence food consumption, but they do
so in a food-specific manner.
Adreyeva’s and his coworkers’ study demonstrated interesting findings concerning fast food and
soft drink advertisements and children’s food consumption.31 Overall, for every 100 soft drink
advertisements seen, their consumption increased by 9.4 percent. For every 100 fast food commercials
watched, consumption of fast food increased 1.1 percent. No correlation was seen between cereal
advertisements and consumption patterns, and weight did not correlate with any of the advertisements
either. However, it was evident that children with higher BMI at the beginning of the study watched
more fast food commercials overall. The researchers concluded 9 that unhealthy food advertisements
increase consumption of unhealthy foods. 32 Thus, this would support that television commercials
involving foods do affect children’s attitudes and behaviors significantly.
In Hanks’ and colleagues’ research examining exposure to vegetable cartoon advertisements,
they found that those exposed to banners increased vegetable consumption by 90.5 percent by itself.33
More importantly, the group of children who were exposed to banners as well as video segments
involving vegetable cartoon characters increased their vegetable consumption by 239.2 percent. These
findings led the researchers to conclude that ageappropriate advertisements of heathy food could have
impressive effects on healthy food consumption among elementary school-age populations.34 Once
again, these findings support that television food advertisements affect children’s food consumption
tendencies, with this study suggesting the changes are content specific.
Lastly, Halford and researchers found in their study that the obese group of children recognized
more of the food advertisements than lean or overweight children.35 Likewise, those children who
recognized food advertisements more commonly had a greater food consumption tendency. In fact, all
groups showed increased food consumption after seeing the food advertisements in the study. The
authors concluded that exposure to food advertisements cues food intake behaviors, and it appears that
some children have a heightened sensitivity to these food commercials.36 This study thus also shows
that television food advertisements directly influences children’s eating behaviors, though it was not
specific to any particular type of food.
Discussion
In reviewing the primary research studies included in this review, it is clear that a relationship
exists between television food advertisements and children’s food consumption 10 behaviors and
attitudes. The 5 studies varied in research design, and each measured slightly different outcomes in
their assessments. However, all examined the effect that television food commercials had on food
consumption in elementary school-age children. Likewise, all 5 studies supported that an increase in
television food advertisement viewing increases food consumption overall.37,38,39,40,41
While this can be well supported in the review, some discrepancies remain concerning how the
specific content of a food advertisement impacts food consumption tendencies. In some studies, food
consumption was specific to the content of the advertisement.42 In others, however, the increase in
food consumption was more indiscriminate with the advertisements appearing to simply prime the
participants to consumer food.43 In addition, the research failed to consistently show that food
advertisements of unhealthy foods and their related consumption caused weight increases in these
children.44 This is not to meant they refute this claim, but the studies failed to link changes in food
consumption with different television advertisements with obesity measures.
Understanding this, additional research is encouraged to further explore the relationship among
television food advertisement viewing, television food advertisement content, subsequent children’s
consumption behaviors and change sin weight. The strength of the articles demonstrated excellent
experimental methodologies and statistical assessments. However, their designs varied, duration of
monitoring outcomes limited, and the ability to examine changes over extended periods of time limited.
Likewise, most studies examined television viewing of these advertisements in relation to food
consumption behaviors without accounting for other potentially confounding variables such as activity
levels, family genetics, and nutritional knowledge. 11
With this in mind, additional research involving longitudinal studies would be favored that
explore exposure to both healthy and unhealthy food ads and their effect on healthy and unhealthy
food consumption. Likewise, this should be monitored in addition to weight, BMI, physical activity level,
nutritional knowledge, and family history. These efforts along with more consistency in the metrics used
to record outcomes would lead to greater clarification of the impact and role television food
advertisements might play in child obesity risks among elementary school-age children.
Conclusion
This research review explored the effect that television advertisements have on food
consumption attitudes and behaviors among elementary school children by examining 5 primary
research studies. The findings show that television advertisements clearly affect children’s food
consumption attitudes and behaviors in both positive and negative ways and can serve as a strategy to
guide healthier consumption behaviors. However, the degree of impact such strategies have in reducing
overall obesity among children is not well defined, and it remains unclear whether healthy food
advertisement content may reduce obesity risk or not since it may also encourage overall food
consumption.
Based on this, the important implications of the findings show that further research is needed
before public policy guidance can be provided. The current evidence supports that television
advertisements do affect children’s eating behaviors, and potentially, healthy foods may favorably
influence food selections. But it is not yet clear whether banning or taxing unhealthy food commercials
would be beneficial or whether increasing healthy food advertisements would reduce child obesity
rates. Longitudinal studies are needed to further 12 explore these issues alone and in combination with
other factors causing child obesity risks to increase.
Given these caveats, it is currently recommended that educators and parents may want to limit
the exposure of elementary school-age children to unhealthy food television advertisements while
encouraging exposure to healthy food commercials providing nutritional education. Policymakers may
consider public health policies that place restrictions on unhealthy food advertising, but pros must be
weighed with the cons until more definitive research is available. Researchers, as such, should continue
to explore food advertising effects on child obesity over longer periods of time and in combination with
other interventions. Having these additional insights would help provide more targeted public policy
guidance in this area.
Reference
1 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
2 Bleich SN, Vercammen KA, Zatz LY, Frelier JM, Ebbeling CB, Peeters A. Interventions to prevent global
childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review. Lancet Diabetes Endo. 2018; 6(4): 332-46.
doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30358-3
3 Robinson TN, Banda JA, Hale L, Lu AS, Fleming-Milici F, Calvert SL, & Wartella E. Screen media
exposure and
obesity in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2017; 140(Supplement 2): S97-101.
doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1758K
4 Story M, & French S. Food advertising and marketing directed at children and adolescents in the US.
Int J Behav
Nutri Phy. 2004; 1(1): 3. doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-1-3
5 Story M, & French S. Food advertising and marketing directed at children and adolescents in the US.
Int J Behav
Nutri Phy. 2004; 1(1): 3. doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-1-3
6 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
7 Bleich SN, Vercammen KA, Zatz LY, Frelier JM, Ebbeling CB, Peeters A. Interventions to prevent global
childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review. Lancet Diabetes Endo. 2018; 6(4): 332-46.
doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30358-3
8 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
9 Bleich SN, Vercammen KA, Zatz LY, Frelier JM, Ebbeling CB, Peeters A. Interventions to prevent global
childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review. Lancet Diabetes Endo. 2018; 6(4): 332-46.
doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30358-3
10 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
11 Bleich SN, Vercammen KA, Zatz LY, Frelier JM, Ebbeling CB, Peeters A. Interventions to prevent global
childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review. Lancet Diabetes Endo. 2018; 6(4): 332-46.
doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30358-3
12 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
13
13 Bleich SN, Vercammen KA, Zatz LY, Frelier JM, Ebbeling CB, Peeters A. Interventions to prevent global
childhood overweight and obesity: A systematic review. Lancet Diabetes Endo. 2018; 6(4): 332-46.
doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(17)30358-3
14 Story M, & French S. Food advertising and marketing directed at children and adolescents in the US.
Int J Behav
Nutri Phy. 2004; 1(1): 3. doi.org/10.1186/1479-5868-1-3
15 Robinson TN, Banda JA, Hale L, Lu AS, Fleming-Milici F, Calvert SL, & Wartella E. Screen media
exposure and
obesity in children and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2017; 140(Supplement 2): S97-101.
doi:10.1542/peds.2016-1758K
16 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
17 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
18 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
19 Dixon HG, Scully ML, Wakefield MA, & White VM, Crawford DA. The effects of television
advertisements for
junk food versus nutritious food on children’s food attitudes and preferences. Soc Sci Med. 2007; 65(7):
1311-23.
doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.05.011
20 Dixon HG, Scully ML, Wakefield MA, & White VM, Crawford DA. The effects of television
advertisements for
junk food versus nutritious food on children’s food attitudes and preferences. Soc Sci Med. 2007; 65(7):
1311-23.
doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.05.011
21 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
22 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
23 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
24 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
25 Halford JC, Gillespie J, Brown V, Pontin EE, & Dovey TM. Effect of television advertisements for foods
on food
consumption in children. Appetite. 2004; 42(2): 221-5. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2003.11.006
26 Halford JC, Gillespie J, Brown V, Pontin EE, & Dovey TM. Effect of television advertisements for foods
on food
consumption in children. Appetite. 2004; 42(2): 221-5. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2003.11.006
27 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
28 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
29 Dixon HG, Scully ML, Wakefield MA, & White VM, Crawford DA. The effects of television
advertisements for
junk food versus nutritious food on children’s food attitudes and preferences. Soc Sci Med. 2007; 65(7):
1311-23.
doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.05.011
30 Dixon HG, Scully ML, Wakefield MA, & White VM, Crawford DA. The effects of television
advertisements for
junk food versus nutritious food on children’s food attitudes and preferences. Soc Sci Med. 2007; 65(7):
1311-23.
doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.05.011
31 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
32 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
33 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
34 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
35 Halford JC, Gillespie J, Brown V, Pontin EE, & Dovey TM. Effect of television advertisements for foods
on food
consumption in children. Appetite. 2004; 42(2): 221-5. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2003.11.006
14
36 Halford JC, Gillespie J, Brown V, Pontin EE, & Dovey TM. Effect of television advertisements for foods
on food
consumption in children. Appetite. 2004; 42(2): 221-5. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2003.11.006
37 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
38 Dixon HG, Scully ML, Wakefield MA, & White VM, Crawford DA. The effects of television
advertisements for
junk food versus nutritious food on children’s food attitudes and preferences. Soc Sci Med. 2007; 65(7):
1311-23.
doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2007.05.011
39 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
40 Hanks AS, Just DR, & Brumberg A. Marketing vegetables in elementary school cafeterias to increase
uptake.
Pediatrics. 2016; 138(2): e20151720. doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-1720
41 Halford JC, Gillespie J, Brown V, Pontin EE, & Dovey TM. Effect of television advertisements for foods
on food
consumption in children. Appetite. 2004; 42(2): 221-5. doi:10.1016/j.appet.2003.11.006
42 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
43 Harris JL, Bargh JA, & Brownell KD. (2009). Priming effects of television food advertising on eating
behavior. Health Psychol. 2009; 28(4): 404-413. doi.org/10.1037/a0014399
44 Andreyeva T, Kelly IR, & Harris JL. Exposure to food advertising on television: Associations with
children’s fast
food and soft drink consumption and obesity. Econ Hum Biol. 2011; 9(3): 221-33.
doi.org/10.1016/j.ehb.2011.02.004
1
Health Inequalities
Assignment #4: Outline
Author:
Course Name:
Instructor
Date:
2
Health Inequalities
I. Introduction
a. Motivation to study this topic
•
Healthcare inequalities persist among different racial and ethnic groups.
•
Understanding the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination on healthcare quality is crucial for
improving healthcare outcomes.
•
Addressing patient perceptions of discrimination can enhance healthcare quality.
b. Objectives
•
To examine the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination on perceived healthcare quality.
•
To identify healthcare needs and disparities among immigrant women.
•
To explore methods for measuring racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare.
•
To investigate income inequalities in health outcomes between the United States and
England.
•
To analyze healthcare experiences and disparities among patients with chronic conditions.
c. Organizational overview of the paper
•
Review of the current literature on healthcare inequalities and discrimination.
•
Analysis of five research articles addressing healthcare inequalities.
•
Presentation of the results of the five research articles.
•
Discussion of the implications of the findings and future research directions.
II. Literature Review
a. Background information on the topic
•
Healthcare inequalities exist based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other
factors.
3
•
Discrimination can contribute to disparities in healthcare quality and access.
•
Understanding the methods for measuring and addressing healthcare inequalities is
essential.
b. Specific information to assist the reader’s understanding
Definition of healthcare inequalities: Healthcare inequalities refer to disparities in access to
healthcare services, quality of care, health outcomes, and healthcare experiences among different
populations. These disparities can be influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity,
socioeconomic status, gender, geographic location, and more.
Examples of healthcare inequalities: It is important to provide specific examples to illustrate the
extent of healthcare inequalities. For instance, disparities may manifest as differences in
healthcare utilization rates, rates of preventive screenings and vaccinations and variations in
health outcomes.
b. Key terms
Key terms related to healthcare inequalities, such as racial/ethnic disparities, discrimination,
socioeconomic status, and healthcare access.
III. Analysis Approach
a. Research Article 1:
Sorkin et al.
“Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in Health Care: Impact on Perceived Quality of Care” (Sorkin et
al., 2010)
•
Population/Subjects: Participants from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey.
•
Methods: Cross-sectional examination of healthcare quality ratings and perceived
discrimination.
4
•
Type of Research: Cross-sectional study.
•
Statistics Used: Correlation analysis.
b. Research Article 2:
Tseng et al.
“Investigating Health Equity and Healthcare Needs among Immigrant Women Using the
Association Rule Mining Method” (Tseng et al., 2021)
•
Population/Subjects: Female immigrants in Taiwan.
•
Methods: Association rule mining to analyze healthcare requirements and socioeconomic
attributes.
•
Type of Research: Survey-based study.
•
Statistics Used: Association rule mining.
c. Research Article 3:
Le Cook et al.
“Measuring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health Care: Methods and Practical Issues” (Le Cook
et al., 2012)
•
Population/Subjects: Not specified.
•
Methods: Systematic methodology for measuring healthcare disparities based on race and
ethnicity.
•
Type of Research: Methodological study.
•
Statistics Used: Not specified.
5
d. Research Article 4:
Martinson
“Income Inequality in Health at All Ages: A Comparison of the United States and England”
(Martinson, 2012)
•
Population/Subjects: Population-based study comparing the United States and England.
•
Methods: Analysis of health outcomes based on income, age groups, and genders.
•
Type of Research: Comparative study.
•
Statistics Used: Not specified.
e. Research Article 5:
Solinis et al.
“Inequalities in Health Care Experience of Patients with Chronic Conditions: Results from a
Population-Based Study” (Solinis et al., 2021)
•
Population/Subjects: Patients with chronic conditions in the Basque Health Survey.
•
Methods: Analysis of healthcare experiences based on sociodemographic and health-related
factors.
•
Type of Research: Population-based study.
•
Statistics Used: Not specified.
IV. Results
a. Results of Research Article 1
The study found a negative correlation between perceived discrimination and healthcare
quality ratings among different racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the importance of
addressing patient perceptions of discrimination to enhance healthcare quality.
6
b. Results of Research Article 2
The investigation revealed that immigrant women in Taiwan face healthcare needs such
as medical allowances, child health checkups, and parental guidance, and financial strain is a
significant obstacle to meeting these requirements.
c. Results of Research Article 3
The authors proposed a systematic methodology to measure healthcare disparities based
on race and ethnicity, emphasizing the significance of understanding and addressing inequalities
in mental healthcare services utilization and financial outlay.
d. Results of Research Article 4
The research demonstrated substantial income disparities in health outcomes between the
United States and England, with a more pronounced influence of income on women’s health
outcomes, underscoring the need for policy discussions beyond healthcare and insurance to
mitigate health disparities.
e. Results of Research Article 5
The study highlighted the impact of sociodemographic and health-related factors on
healthcare experiences of individuals with chronic conditions, with women, older individuals,
and those with lower education levels reporting more negative experiences, emphasizing the
necessity of tailored care approaches for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
V. Discussion
a. Heading for discussion:
Understanding Healthcare Inequalities and Implications for Future Research
b. Gaps in research review.
While the publications evaluated shed light on numerous elements of healthcare inequality,
there are still significant research gaps. For example, while the research mostly focused on
7
racial/ethnic disparities and financial disparities, other characteristics such as gender identity,
sexual orientation, and handicap status were not thoroughly investigated. Future study should
seek to fill these gaps and investigate the intersectionality of many social determinants of health.
c. Overall strengths and weaknesses of the research articles:
•
The evaluated articles have various advantages. They used rigorous methods including
cross-sectional surveys, systematic procedures, and population-based investigations. The
conclusions were frequently based on high sample numbers, which increased the
generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, the publications gave useful insights into the
impact of healthcare disparities on distinct groups, as well as major variables contributing to
disparities.
•
The study articles, however, had several drawbacks. Some research used self-reported data,
which might be influenced by memory bias or social desirability bias. Furthermore, the research
were conducted in specific locations or nations, which may restrict the findings’ generalizability
to other situations. Furthermore, there was a scarcity of longitudinal research, impeding a
thorough understanding of the long-term impacts of healthcare disparities.
d. Future work needed in the field of healthcare inequalities.
•
Future research should make an effort to fill in the gaps and overcome the existing
constraints. This entails carrying out more longitudinal research to look at the long-term effects
of healthcare disparities and figuring out efficient measures to lessen them.
•
To better comprehend the intersectionality of healthcare inequality, research should also
examine the influence of social determinants of health other than race/ethnicity and wealth, such
as gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and immigrant status.
8
•
Future studies should also concentrate on the implementation and assessment of policies and
interventions targeted at eliminating healthcare disparities in order to inform evidence-based
practices.
VI. Conclusions
a. Summary of objectives and approach of this paper.
Reviewing five studies on healthcare disparities was the objective of this paper. These
articles looked at a range of healthcare inequalities related to racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and
gender differences. The review’s analysis of the research’s results and implications followed a
methodical process.
b. Major findings of this paper.
The major findings of the publications under examination provided significant new
information about healthcare disparities. The study brought to light the detrimental effects of
perceived prejudice on opinions of the quality of healthcare among various racial and ethnic
groups. It also highlighted the link between income inequality and immigrant women’s wellbeing
as well as how income inequality affects health outcomes. The research also showed how
important sociodemographic and health-related variables are in determining how people with
chronic diseases experience healthcare.
c. Important implications of this paper’s findings.
The conclusions of this article have important ramifications for tackling healthcare
disparities. In order to reduce health inequalities, the subject publications stresses that there is an
urgent need of addressing two things; patient perceptions of discrimination. Enacting laws that
deal with the economic disparities faced by immigrant women, and participating in policy
discussions beyond the realm of healthcare are therefore important to review. The study
9
emphasizes the significance of individualized care strategies for people with chronic diseases,
taking into account elements like gender, age, education level, and comorbidities.
d. Recommendations based on the review of the five research articles.
Several suggestions might be made to address healthcare disparities in light of the review.
•
Healthcare professionals need to be taught to identify and respond to patients’ impressions of
prejudice.
•
Measures should be created to ease the financial hardships experienced by immigrant women
and to offer the essential healthcare assistance.
•
Initiatives should be taken to enhance fair access to healthcare services and lessen income
disparities.
•
Finally, further study is required to examine how many socioeconomic determinants of
health interact with one another and to assess the efficacy of initiatives to reduce healthcare
inequalities.
10
Reference
Le Cook, B., McGuire, T., & Zaslavsky, A. (2012). Measuring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in
Health Care: Methods and Practical Issues. Health Service Research, 47(3 Pt 2), 12321254. DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2012.01387.x
Martinson, M. (2012). Income Inequality in Health at All Ages: A Comparison of the United
States and England. American Journal of Public Health, 102(10), 2049-2056. DOI:
10.2105/AJPH.2011.300600
Solinis, R., Laresgoiti, M., Lazaro, E., Ponce, S., Orueta, J., & Rodriguez, M. E. (2021).
Inequalities in Health Care Experience of Patients with Chronic Conditions: Results from
a Population-Based Study. Healthcare (Basel), 9(8), 1005. DOI:
10.3390/healthcare9081005
Sorkin, D. H., Metzger, Q. N., & De Alba, I. (2010). Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in Health
Care: Impact on Perceived Quality of Care. General Internal Medicine, 25(5), 390-396.
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-010-1257-5
Tseng, M. H., & Wu, H. C. (2021). Investigating Health Equity and Healthcare Needs among
Immigrant Women Using the Association Rule Mining Method. Healthcare (Basel), 9(2),
195. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020195
1
Health Inequalities
Assignment #4: Outline
Author:
Course Name:
Instructor
Date:
2
Health Inequalities
I. Introduction
a. Motivation to study this topic
•
Healthcare inequalities persist among different racial and ethnic groups.
•
Understanding the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination on healthcare quality is crucial for
improving healthcare outcomes.
•
Addressing patient perceptions of discrimination can enhance healthcare quality.
b. Objectives
•
To examine the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination on perceived healthcare quality.
•
To identify healthcare needs and disparities among immigrant women.
•
To explore methods for measuring racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare.
•
To investigate income inequalities in health outcomes between the United States and
England.
•
To analyze healthcare experiences and disparities among patients with chronic conditions.
c. Organizational overview of the paper
•
Review of the current literature on healthcare inequalities and discrimination.
•
Analysis of five research articles addressing healthcare inequalities.
•
Presentation of the results of the five research articles.
•
Discussion of the implications of the findings and future research directions.
II. Literature Review
a. Background information on the topic
•
Healthcare inequalities exist based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other
factors.
3
•
Discrimination can contribute to disparities in healthcare quality and access.
•
Understanding the methods for measuring and addressing healthcare inequalities is
essential.
b. Specific information to assist the reader’s understanding
Definition of healthcare inequalities: Healthcare inequalities refer to disparities in access to
healthcare services, quality of care, health outcomes, and healthcare experiences among different
populations. These disparities can be influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity,
socioeconomic status, gender, geographic location, and more.
Examples of healthcare inequalities: It is important to provide specific examples to illustrate the
extent of healthcare inequalities. For instance, disparities may manifest as differences in
healthcare utilization rates, rates of preventive screenings and vaccinations and variations in
health outcomes.
b. Key terms
Key terms related to healthcare inequalities, such as racial/ethnic disparities, discrimination,
socioeconomic status, and healthcare access.
III. Analysis Approach
a. Research Article 1:
Sorkin et al.
“Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in Health Care: Impact on Perceived Quality of Care” (Sorkin et
al., 2010)
•
Population/Subjects: Participants from the 2003 California Health Interview Survey.
•
Methods: Cross-sectional examination of healthcare quality ratings and perceived
discrimination.
4
•
Type of Research: Cross-sectional study.
•
Statistics Used: Correlation analysis.
b. Research Article 2:
Tseng et al.
“Investigating Health Equity and Healthcare Needs among Immigrant Women Using the
Association Rule Mining Method” (Tseng et al., 2021)
•
Population/Subjects: Female immigrants in Taiwan.
•
Methods: Association rule mining to analyze healthcare requirements and socioeconomic
attributes.
•
Type of Research: Survey-based study.
•
Statistics Used: Association rule mining.
c. Research Article 3:
Le Cook et al.
“Measuring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Health Care: Methods and Practical Issues” (Le Cook
et al., 2012)
•
Population/Subjects: Not specified.
•
Methods: Systematic methodology for measuring healthcare disparities based on race and
ethnicity.
•
Type of Research: Methodological study.
•
Statistics Used: Not specified.
5
d. Research Article 4:
Martinson
“Income Inequality in Health at All Ages: A Comparison of the United States and England”
(Martinson, 2012)
•
Population/Subjects: Population-based study comparing the United States and England.
•
Methods: Analysis of health outcomes based on income, age groups, and genders.
•
Type of Research: Comparative study.
•
Statistics Used: Not specified.
e. Research Article 5:
Solinis et al.
“Inequalities in Health Care Experience of Patients with Chronic Conditions: Results from a
Population-Based Study” (Solinis et al., 2021)
•
Population/Subjects: Patients with chronic conditions in the Basque Health Survey.
•
Methods: Analysis of healthcare experiences based on sociodemographic and health-related
factors.
•
Type of Research: Population-based study.
•
Statistics Used: Not specified.
IV. Results
a. Results of Research Article 1
The study found a negative correlation between perceived discrimination and healthcare
quality ratings among different racial and ethnic groups, highlighting the importance of
addressing patient perceptions of discrimination to enhance healthcare quality.
6
b. Results of Research Article 2
The investigation revealed that immigrant women in Taiwan face healthcare needs such
as medical allowances, child health checkups, and parental guidance, and financial strain is a
significant obstacle to meeting these requirements.
c. Results of Research Article 3
The authors proposed a systematic methodology to measure healthcare disparities based
on race and ethnicity, emphasizing the significance of understanding and addressing inequalities
in mental healthcare services utilization and financial outlay.
d. Results of Research Article 4
The research demonstrated substantial income disparities in health outcomes between the
United States and England, with a more pronounced influence of income on women’s health
outcomes, underscoring the need for policy discussions beyond healthcare and insurance to
mitigate health disparities.
e. Results of Research Article 5
The study highlighted the impact of sociodemographic and health-related factors on
healthcare experiences of individuals with chronic conditions, with women, older individuals,
and those with lower education levels reporting more negative experiences, emphasizing the
necessity of tailored care approaches for patients with multiple chronic conditions.
V. Discussion
a. Heading for discussion:
Understanding Healthcare Inequalities and Implications for Future Research
b. Gaps in research review.
While the publications evaluated shed light on numerous elements of healthcare inequality,
there are still significant research gaps. For example, while the research mostly focused on
7
racial/ethnic disparities and financial disparities, other characteristics such as gender identity,
sexual orientation, and handicap status were not thoroughly investigated. Future study should
seek to fill these gaps and investigate the intersectionality of many social determinants of health.
c. Overall strengths and weaknesses of the research articles:
•
The evaluated articles have various advantages. They used rigorous methods including
cross-sectional surveys, systematic procedures, and population-based investigations. The
conclusions were frequently based on high sample numbers, which increased the
generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, the publications gave useful insights into the
impact of healthcare disparities on distinct groups, as well as major variables contributing to
disparities.
•
The study articles, however, had several drawbacks. Some research used self-reported data,
which might be influenced by memory bias or social desirability bias. Furthermore, the research
were conducted in specific locations or nations, which may restrict the findings’ generalizability
to other situations. Furthermore, there was a scarcity of longitudinal research, impeding a
thorough understanding of the long-term impacts of healthcare disparities.
d. Future work needed in the field of healthcare inequalities.
•
Future research should make an effort to fill in the gaps and overcome the existing
constraints. This entails carrying out more longitudinal research to look at the long-term effects
of healthcare disparities and figuring out efficient measures to lessen them.
•
To better comprehend the intersectionality of healthcare inequality, research should also
examine the influence of social determinants of health other than race/ethnicity and wealth, such
as gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and immigrant status.
8
•
Future studies should also concentrate on the implementation and assessment of policies and
interventions targeted at eliminating healthcare disparities in order to inform evidence-based
practices.
VI. Conclusions
a. Summary of objectives and approach of this paper.
Reviewing five studies on healthcare disparities was the objective of this paper. These
articles looked at a range of healthcare inequalities related to racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and
gender differences. The review’s analysis of the research’s results and implications followed a
methodical process.
b. Major findings of this paper.
The major findings of the publications under examination provided significant new
information about healthcare disparities. The study brought to light the detrimental effects of
perceived prejudice on opinions of the quality of healthcare among various racial and ethnic
groups. It also highlighted the link between income inequality and immigrant women’s wellbeing
as well as how income inequality affects health outcomes. The research also showed how
important sociodemographic and health-related variables are in determining how people with
chronic diseases experience healthcare.
c. Important implications of this paper’s findings.
The conclusions of this article have important ramifications for tackling healthcare
disparities. In order to reduce health inequalities, the subject publications stresses that there is an
urgent need of addressing two things; patient perceptions of discrimination. Enacting laws that
deal with the economic disparities faced by immigrant women, and participating in policy
discussions beyond the realm of healthcare are therefore important to review. The study
9
emphasizes the significance of individualized care strategies for people with chronic diseases,
taking into account elements like gender, age, education level, and comorbidities.
d. Recommendations based on the review of the five research articles.
Several suggestions might be made to address healthcare disparities in light of the review.
•
Healthcare professionals need to be taught to identify and respond to patients’ impressions of
prejudice.
•
Measures should be created to ease the financial hardships experienced by immigrant women
and to offer the essential healthcare assistance.
•
Initiatives should be taken to enhance fair access to healthcare services and lessen income
disparities.
•
Finally, further study is required to examine how many socioeconomic determinants of
health interact with one another and to assess the efficacy of initiatives to reduce healthcare
inequalities.
10
Reference
Le Cook, B., McGuire, T., & Zaslavsky, A. (2012). Measuring Racial/Ethnic Disparities in
Health Care: Methods and Practical Issues. Health Service Research, 47(3 Pt 2), 12321254. DOI: 10.1111/j.1475-6773.2012.01387.x
Martinson, M. (2012). Income Inequality in Health at All Ages: A Comparison of the United
States and England. American Journal of Public Health, 102(10), 2049-2056. DOI:
10.2105/AJPH.2011.300600
Solinis, R., Laresgoiti, M., Lazaro, E., Ponce, S., Orueta, J., & Rodriguez, M. E. (2021).
Inequalities in Health Care Experience of Patients with Chronic Conditions: Results from
a Population-Based Study. Healthcare (Basel), 9(8), 1005. DOI:
10.3390/healthcare9081005
Sorkin, D. H., Metzger, Q. N., & De Alba, I. (2010). Racial/Ethnic Discrimination in Health
Care: Impact on Perceived Quality of Care. General Internal Medicine, 25(5), 390-396.
DOI: 10.1007/s11606-010-1257-5
Tseng, M. H., & Wu, H. C. (2021). Investigating Health Equity and Healthcare Needs among
Immigrant Women Using the Association Rule Mining Method. Healthcare (Basel), 9(2),
195. DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020195
Case: Kirk v. Mercy Hosp. Tri-County, 851 S.W.2d 617 (Mo. Ct. App. 1993).
Issue: Was there a public policy exception to the Missouri employment-at-will doctrine?
In the case of Kirk v. Mercy Hosp. Tri-County, the hospital fired Kirk in violation of the public
policy exemption to the employment-at-will doctrine. The nurse had been told to steer away
from the patient case where she believed the patient’s medical condition hadn’t been given the
required attention. She consequently defied the nursing director’s directive to remain out of the
situation by refusing to do so, and when the patient passed away, she went in search of a copy
of the patient’s medical records. Later, she claimed that the patient’s death was the hospital’s
fault because it didn’t provide prompt directives that would have avoided it. She was terminated
by the hospital because she refused to follow the director’s instructions and made comments
that would damage the institution’s reputation. Given these clauses, the main dispute that has to
be resolved in court is whether the Missouri employment-at-will doctrine had a public policy
exception.
The provision of high-quality, effective, and safe healthcare services to patients is a major
objective and interest of public policy. Any action that interferes with a patient receiving
sufficient care is against the interests of public policy (Odland et al., 2020). The Nursing Practice
Act (NPA), which stipulates that a nursing license is founded on the state’s commitment to
protect people who receive nursing care, supports that provision (Martin et al., 2018). In this
instance, there was a public policy exception to the petitioner’s dismissal as doing so would
violate the patient’s right to the petitioner’s safe and effective care. She would therefore run the
risk of losing her job if she complied with the directive to leave the scene while her patient’s life
was in danger. The NPA also gives nurses the freedom to choose their professional paths
based on what is best for the patient (Martin et al., 2018). Similar to this, the petitioner made a
professionally sound choice for her patient. Therefore, by neglecting to take into account the
legal implications of the public policy exemption under an at-will employment contract, the
hospital is responsible for her unlawful discharge.
McDaniel (2014) asserts that the Nursing Care Act (NCA) mandates all nurses, regardless of
their specialization, to provide optimal medical care to every patient, irrespective of race,
ethnicity, religion or background. Nurses have a duty to care for all individuals they assist. In the
specific case of Kirk v. Mercy Hospital, the nurse in question, tried to provide help and care for
the patient. Despite facing rejection from superiors and negligence from colleagues, she insisted
on the appropriate treatment necessary to save the patient’s life, as it was her responsibility.
The nursing practice act serves as a paramount legislation governing the nursing profession,
defining the legal framework within their field and specifying their roles and authorities
(McDaniel,2014). Since the nurse in question was adhering to the requirements of the Nursing
Care Act, her termination would be unjustified. Her actions were simply driven by her
commitment to preserving the patients life, as she identified potential malpractice concerning
the doctor’s treatment approach.
References
Oldland, E., Botti, M., Hutchinson, A.M., & Redley, B. (2020). A framework of nurses’
responsibilities for quality healthcare – Exploration of content validity. Collegian, 27(2), 150-163.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colegn.2019.07.007
Martin, B., Reneau, K., & Jarosz, L. (2018). Patient safety culture and barriers to adverse event
reporting: A national survey of nurse executives. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(2), 9-17.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8526(18)30113-3
McDaniel, R. (2014). Know Your Nursing Practice Act. Missouri State Board of Nursing
Newsletter, 16(1), 1-6. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.fiu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=107888355&si
te=eds-live