Health promotion and disease prevention are crucial components of healthcare that aim to enhance the overall well-being of individuals and populations. Within these areas, telehealth has emerged as a valuable tool for delivering care remotely, especially in cases where access to traditional healthcare services may be limited. In this assignment, we will develop a holistic plan of care for a specific population, incorporating telehealth and other innovative technologies.
For this assignment, we will select the population of older adults (aged 65 and above) who are of Hispanic ethnicity, have a low socioeconomic status, and have identified spiritual and healthcare needs. The healthcare needs of this population often revolve around chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis, as well as mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety. Additionally, the spiritual needs of this population can include the desire for cultural and religious practices to be incorporated into their healthcare.
To develop a case study for a patient within this population, let’s consider the example of Maria, a 70-year-old Hispanic woman who lives in a predominantly low-income neighborhood. Maria has been diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes, and she also experiences occasional symptoms of anxiety. She values her Hispanic heritage and spirituality and wishes for her healthcare to incorporate elements of her cultural practices.
To address the healthcare needs of Maria and others in this population, a provider level of care can be established that includes telehealth, alternative therapies, and mobile App technology. Telehealth can enable healthcare providers to remotely monitor Maria’s vital signs, offer consultation and education, and facilitate medication management. Through telehealth, Maria can have frequent virtual visits with her healthcare team, helping her manage her chronic conditions effectively.
In addition to telehealth, alternative therapies can be integrated into Maria’s plan of care. For example, she can be encouraged to participate in regular physical activity such as yoga or tai chi, which can help manage her anxiety and promote overall well-being. Likewise, incorporating traditional healing practices from her Hispanic culture, such as herbal remedies or acupuncture, can enhance her wellness experience.
The use of mobile app technology can also be beneficial for Maria and this population. Mobile apps can serve as tools for self-monitoring of her vital signs and blood glucose levels, helping her track her progress and make informed decisions about her health. These apps can also provide educational materials tailored to her cultural background and language preferences to enhance her understanding of her conditions and treatment options.
The use of telehealth in Maria’s care delivery can have several impacts. First, it can improve Maria’s access to healthcare, especially considering her low socioeconomic status and potential barriers to traditional healthcare services. Telehealth eliminates the need for her to travel long distances or face transportation challenges, making it easier for her to attend appointments and receive necessary care. Additionally, telehealth can help overcome language barriers by providing translation services, ensuring effective communication between Maria and her healthcare providers.
In conclusion, the holistic plan of care for older Hispanic adults in a low socioeconomic status with identified spiritual and healthcare needs incorporates telehealth, alternative therapies, and mobile app technology. This approach acknowledges the unique attributes of this population and aims to address their specific healthcare needs while taking into account their cultural practices and preferences. By utilizing telehealth and other innovative technologies, healthcare providers can enhance access to care, promote health promotion, and contribute to overall wellness preservation and maintenance of function across the health-illness continuum.