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, leading to increased risks of eviction, overcrowding, and homelessness. Individuals experiencing housing insecurity often find themselves in temporary shelters, motels, or living with family and friends due to financial difficulties. Some may frequently relocate, while others endure unsafe conditions, which exacerbates chronic stress and poor health outcomes.

People with disabilities, low-income families, and marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, further intensifying socioeconomic disparities. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC, 2023), approximately 11 million households, or one in four individuals, out of 44.1 million renters in the United States struggle with housing affordability. This results in financial hardship, with many individuals at risk of losing their homes or being unable to afford rent.

Healthcare Challenges for Housing-Insecure Individuals

Those experiencing housing insecurity face significant healthcare challenges, often delaying care due to cost, lack of insurance, and transportation barriers. They are at a higher risk of developing 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, including depression and anxiety, are also prevalent, resulting from financial stress and housing instability. Moreover, the absence of stable housing contributes to poor medication adherence and frequent emergency department visits. Many housing-insecure individuals experience preventable hospitalizations and suffer from untreated medical conditions. In 2019, the average cost of renting a home was $520 per month, but individuals with very low incomes could only afford $283 per month, creating a significant gap between housing costs and what low-income households could afford (National Low Income Housing Coalition, 2023).

Addressing these healthcare disparities requires integrating Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) into care models. Community-based programs offering mobile health services, mental health counseling, and housing assistance can help mitigate these challenges. Healthcare professionals must implement trauma-informed care to ensure sensitive and effective treatment for individuals facing housing insecurity. Expanding Medicaid eligibility and strengthening social support networks can help bridge gaps in healthcare access and improve outcomes for this vulnerable group (Willison et al., 2021).

Cultural Values and Beliefs Relevant to Healthcare

Providing culturally sensitive nursing care to housing-insecure individuals requires understanding 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 providers recognize and respect diverse backgrounds, improving patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.

Financial instability and lack of identification documents prevent many from obtaining medical services. Nurses can assist by connecting patients to social workers and community resources offering low-cost or free healthcare. For example, partnerships with local food pantries and housing agencies can address SDOH, promoting 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.

Healthcare Disparities Faced by Homeless Individuals

Housing-insecure individuals face numerous healthcare disparities due to financial instability, limited access to medical care, and social stigma. Many lack consistent healthcare providers and are forced to seek emergency care for preventable conditions. Delayed treatment leads to worsened chronic illnesses, higher hospitalization rates, and increased mortality risks (Garcia et al., 2024). Limited access to vaccinations and screenings further heightens their vulnerability to infectious diseases.

The housing-insecure population is diverse, necessitating tailored healthcare approaches. Families with children often struggle with pediatric care and educational disruptions, while elderly individuals face difficulties managing chronic conditions without stable housing. Veterans are at high risk for mental health disorders and substance use, while LGBTQ+ youth often experience homelessness due to family rejection, increasing their exposure to violence and exploitation (Miller, 2021).

Providing equitable and inclusive care is essential for improving health outcomes. Mobile clinics offer essential medical services in shelters and community spaces, reducing barriers to care. Trauma-informed nursing practices foster trust and engagement, addressing the emotional impact of housing instability. Collaboration with social workers helps connect individuals to housing programs and financial assistance, ensuring comprehensive support. The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) serves as a successful example of culturally competent healthcare for homeless individuals.

The program integrates medical, mental health, and substance use treatment by bringing care directly to shelters, streets, and clinics. BHCHP’s Street Team, composed of doctors, nurses, and outreach workers, builds trust with individuals who avoid traditional healthcare settings, providing low-barrier, trauma-informed care. This model has led to improved engagement in chronic disease management, mental health support, and addiction treatment, reducing emergency department visits and hospitalizations (Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, 2024).

Social Determinants of Health and Homelessness

Homelessness is shaped by various social determinants that influence health outcomes. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving the well-being of individuals without stable housing. Economic barriers, such as limited financial resources, are major contributors to housing instability. Many individuals experience unemployment, low wages, or job insecurity, making it difficult to afford housing. The rising cost of rent, combined with stagnant income levels, forces individuals and families into shelters or unsafe living conditions. Without financial security, accessing healthcare services, including preventive care and chronic disease management, becomes increasingly difficult (Fitzpatrick & Willis, 2021).

Environmental factors, such as living outdoors or in overcrowded shelters, expose individuals to extreme temperatures, air pollution, and unsanitary conditions. Poor ventilation and close living quarters facilitate the spread of infectious diseases, including respiratory infections and skin conditions. Exposure to harsh weather increases the risk of hypothermia, heat-related illnesses, and dehydration, further exacerbating health disparities (Anthonj et al., 2024).

Many homeless individuals experience emotional and psychological stress. Trauma from past abuse, domestic violence, or military service often leads to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Limited access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment compounds these challenges. Self-medication with drugs or alcohol can lead to cycles of addiction, making recovery and reintegration into stable housing even more difficult.

A shortage of affordable housing programs and long waiting periods prevent individuals from securing stable shelter. Strict eligibility requirements and administrative inefficiencies make housing assistance difficult to access. Moreover, laws criminalizing behaviors associated with homelessness, such as sleeping in public spaces, further marginalize this population and limit access to essential services. Addressing these systemic issues is critical to improving long-term housing stability and healthcare access. Policy reforms should focus on decriminalizing homelessness, expanding low-barrier healthcare access, and prioritizing permanent supportive housing.

Strategies for Providing Culturally Competent Nursing Care

To deliver effective nursing care, cultural competence is essential in ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds receive respectful, personalized, and equitable healthcare. The following strategies are key:

• Nurses must recognize their own biases and understand how cultural values influence health beliefs and behaviors. Self-reflection and education on different cultural perspectives can help provide unbiased care.
• Healthcare providers should acknowledge diverse cultural practices, including alternative medicine, dietary restrictions, and spiritual traditions. Respecting these preferences fosters trust and improves adherence to treatment plans.
• Clear, culturally appropriate communication is crucial for enhancing understanding. Using interpreters, avoiding medical jargon, and incorporating visual aids can bridge language barriers and ensure patients comprehend health instructions (Deering, 2024).
• Many cultures emphasize collective decision-making. Involving family members and community leaders in care planning promotes comfort and aligns treatment with patients’ values.
• Addressing socioeconomic challenges, offering flexible appointment scheduling, and using mobile health services can accommodate diverse patient needs and improve healthcare accessibility.
• Continuous professional development in cultural competence equips nurses with the skills to navigate complex healthcare interactions, reducing disparities and enhancing patient satisfaction (Hernandez et al., 2021).

Table: Culturally Competent Nursing Care Strategies

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/

NURS FPX 4015 Assessment 4

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

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Grants for the benefit of homeless individuals (GBHI). SAMHSA.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/communities/homelessness-programs-resources/grants/gbhi

The Queens Nursing Institute. (2022). Homeless and inclusion health nursing case studies raising awareness and understanding of homeless and inclusion health nursing and demonstrating the value of this specialist role. 2. https://qni.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/HIH-Case-Studies-2022.pdf

Willison, C. E., Lillvis, D., Mauri, A., & Singer, P. M. (2021). Technically accessible, practically ineligible: The effects of Medicaid expansion implementation on chronic homelessness. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 46(6). https://doi.org/10.1215/03616878-9349142