Discussion: Advocating for Social Justice
Consider the following topics. In many U.S. communities, low-income populations use the emergency room instead of going to a physician or mid-level provider’s office. They often do not pay the bill for their service, which shifts the cost of their care to other, paying patients at the hospital. This practice drives up the cost of health care, but what else can hospitals do? They have to have a certain amount of income to keep their doors open. Is this fair? What if these sick people remain untreated and infect others? Is this just? Do they deserve care so that they don’t infect others? We talk about a culture of poverty in this country. What does this mean to you? What about those people who seem to bilk or misuse the health care system? Do they deserve care? If so, who should pay for it? Shouldn’t everyone be forced to carry health insurance so that everyone has a pay source? Can we expect people to pull themselves up by their bootstraps?
To prepare for this Discussion, you will need to consider the following questions:
- What does social justice mean to you? Is social justice the same as socialized medicine or even communism?
- The notion of social justice is fairness so that everyone can achieve a certain level of health and wellness. After all, the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to pursue happiness. Is the health care system fair?
- If you could wave a magic wand and fix the health care system, what is the first thing you would notice indicating that it had changed? Or, in your opinion, do you think it needs to be changed at all?
Post your response to this Discussion.
Support your response with references from the professional nursing literature.
Notes Initial Post: This should be a 3-paragraph (at least 350 words) response. Be sure to use evidence from the readings and include in-text citations. Utilize essay-level writing practice and skills, including the use of transitional material and organizational frames. Avoid quotes; paraphrase to incorporate evidence into your own writing. A reference list is required. Use the most current evidence (usually ≤ 5 years old).
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Social justice is the pursuit of providing equal opportunities and rights to everyone, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background. In healthcare, social justice means ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare services without discrimination. In this discussion, we will explore the concept of social justice in healthcare, the fairness of the healthcare system, and possible solutions for addressing the challenges of the system.
Answer:
To me, social justice means promoting equity, equality, and fairness in society. Social justice in healthcare refers to ensuring that every individual has equal access to quality healthcare services, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity. Social justice in healthcare is not the same as socialized medicine or communism. Instead, it is about ensuring that all individuals have access to the care they need while still ensuring that the healthcare system remains sustainable.
The current healthcare system in the U.S. is far from fair. Low-income populations who cannot afford health insurance tend to utilize emergency rooms instead of going to a physician or mid-level provider’s office, creating a heavy financial burden on hospitals. This practice drives up the cost of healthcare for other paying patients, and healthcare providers are often left with the difficult decision of treating these patients or refusing care altogether. This is not only unfair but also creates a moral dilemma for healthcare providers.
If I could wave a magic wand and fix the healthcare system, the first thing I would notice is a significant reduction in healthcare costs. I believe that healthcare should be accessible to everyone and not just a privilege for those who can afford it. This could be achieved through a range of policy changes, from expanding access to insurance to increasing funding for community health centers.
In conclusion, promoting social justice in healthcare is crucial to ensuring that everyone has access to quality care. It is our responsibility as healthcare providers to ensure that all individuals receive equitable care, regardless of their background. By advocating for policy changes that promote social justice, we can work towards creating a healthcare system that is fair, accessible, and sustainable for everyone.
