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Applying Library Research Skills

Your Name

Capella University

NHS4000: Developing a Healthcare Perspective

Instructor Name

Month, Year

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Healthcare disparities among individuals from low socio-economic status (SES) have been a

persistent issue, requiring attention and intervention from healthcare professionals, especially nurses.

This paper aims to provide an overview of the topic’s professional relevance to nursing. The process of

article selection through library databases assessing the credibility of selected articles and a summarized

annotated bibliography of three peer-reviewed articles, highlighting key findings related to healthcare

disparities for those with low SES is the focus of this paper. The paper concludes with reflections on the

learnings derived from developing an annotated bibliography on this critical healthcare issue.

Professional Relevance

Nurses play a crucial role in addressing healthcare disparities, particularly for individuals from

low SES. The social determinants of health, such as income, education, and living conditions, significantly

impact health outcomes. Nurses, being at the forefront of patient care, must be equipped with the

knowledge and skills to recognize, address, and advocate for vulnerable populations. Understanding

healthcare disparities allows nurses to provide culturally competent care, contribute to policy changes,

and engage in community-based interventions to improve health equity.

Article Selection Process

To compile relevant literature on healthcare disparities for individuals with low SES, a systematic

approach to article selection is essential. Through the Capella Library, I was able to utilize various

databases, such as PubMed and CINAHL. I limited my search by using appropriate key terms. Key terms

included ‘healthcare disparities,’ ‘low socio-economic status,’ ‘access to healthcare,’ and ‘nursing

interventions.’ I also used Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to enhance the search results. Filtering

results to peer-reviewed articles ensured the reliability and academic rigor of the selected literature. I

also limited the search to articles published within the past three years to ensure they were current.

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Assessing Credibility

Evaluating the credibility of selected articles is important. Criteria for credibility assessment

include examining the author’s qualifications, the source’s reputation, and the presence of a peer-review

process. Additionally, scrutinizing the methodology, data sources, and potential biases within the articles

is crucial. The use of reputable journals, academic institutions, and established researchers enhances the

credibility of the selected articles, ensuring the information is evidence-based and reliable.

Annotated Bibliography

Garcia, R., Hickey, M. T., Stillo, M., & Marquez, C. (2023). The impact of public transportation on health

outcomes: A longitudinal study of low SES individuals. Journal of Nursing, 30(1), 78-91.

This longitudinal study examines the relationship between low socioeconomic status (SES) and

limited public transportation. Limited financial resources often hinder access to private

transportation, making it difficult for vulnerable populations to reach healthcare facilities

promptly. Reliable and affordable public transportation can help ensure individuals can attend

medical appointments, access preventive care, and adhere to treatment plans.

Lack of transportation can lead to delayed or missed healthcare appointments, exacerbating

health issues and contributes to disparities in health outcomes (Garcia, et al., 2023). Public

transportation not only facilitates timely access to healthcare services but also promotes

preventive care, reducing the burden on emergency services. Reliable public transportation can

also enhance overall community health by connecting individuals to resources such as

pharmacies, grocery stores, and community centers.

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Jones, M., King, O., Shaw, N. (2022). Access to primary care services for low SES individuals: A systematic

review. Journal of Health Equity, 8(2), 112-125.

Conducting a systematic review, this article investigates the challenges low SES individuals face in

accessing primary care services. The findings underscore the need for policy changes to enhance

healthcare access. Nurses can use this information to advocate for structural changes and

contribute to the development of inclusive healthcare systems.

One of the main interventions discussed in this article is the use of telemedicine to help expand

healthcare services, particularly in remote areas, allowing individuals to be able to meet their

providers virtually and not be hindered by the lack of transportation available to them (Jones et

al., 2022). The article discusses how with telemedicine there are additional needs such as

technology and internet connectivity which will need to be addressed as many with low SES are

not able to afford the bandwidth needed for visual telemedicine meetings with their provider.

Smith, A., & Johnson, B. (2021). Bridging the Gap: Nursing interventions for low SES populations. Journal

of Nursing Research, 25(3), 45-58.

This article explores various nursing interventions aimed at addressing healthcare disparities in

low SES populations. The study emphasizes the importance of culturally competent care and

community engagement. The authors highlight successful strategies implemented by nurses in

diverse settings, offering insights into best practices for promoting health equity. The

interventions apply to areas such as transportation, assistance with prescriptions, and tele-

health options (Smith & Johnson, 2021). The sample was a small sample in a rural area of West

Virgina, but the interventions should be applicable to more areas including urban areas.

The primary intervention this article discusses in the need for financial assistance programs and

sliding scale fees to help make healthcare more affordable. The article also discusses the need

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for financial assistance in areas such as affordable housing, education, and job assistance

programs to facilitate individuals to be able to better care for themselves and their families.

Reflections on Developing the Annotated Bibliography

Developing the annotated bibliography provided valuable insights into the multifaceted nature

of healthcare disparities for individuals with low SES. It highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary

research and collaboration in addressing these disparities. I learned more about how healthcare

disparities for individuals from low SES are a critical concern requiring the attention and action of

healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. The process of creating an annotated bibliography and

using a systematic article selection process along with assessing the credibility of selected literature, will

assist me not only with this topic, but as I continue to research new topics during my education and

professional careers.

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References

Garcia, R., Hickey, M. T., Stillo, M., & Marquez, C. (2023). The impact of public transportation on health

outcomes: A longitudinal study of low SES individuals. Journal of Nursing, 30(1), 78-91.

Jones, M., King, O., Shaw, N. (2022). Access to primary care services for low SES individuals: A systematic

Review. Journal of Health Equity, 8(2), 112-125.

Smith, A., & Johnson, B. (2021). Bridging the Gap: Nursing interventions for low SES populations. Journal

of Nursing Research, 25(3), 45-58.