Health equity and social justice refer to fair, and equal distribution of health services among all groups regardless of status. Vulnerable groups such as marginalized and ethnic minorities quite often experience social inequalities in health institutions. Nurses have a responsibility for the promotion of social justice and eliminating health disparities.(Peter, 2002). Their role includes Cultural Competency.
The first step involves nurses being conscious of their thoughts and attitudes towards other cultures. Nurses have to be open-minded, respectful, caring, and ready to interact and treat people from different cultures and backgrounds equally. They could seek assistance from a cultural guide in learning more about the language and beliefs of the community and how this lifestyle affects their health. This is because diseases manifest differently, especially where there are cultural and ethnic minorities; hence nurses should not ignore or assume similar assessments with the privileged. A translator should be hired in cases where there is a challenge of the language barrier between health works and the patients. (Brach, 2002).
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Recognizing the social determinants of health
Income, education, accessibility of health services, and nutrition are some determinants of health. It is the responsibility of nurses to recognize these social factors while evaluating the
illness as they have an impact on the patient’s wellbeing. They should refer patients facing
social challenges to the relevant departments that would help address their needs. Nurses are
patient advocates and hence should lobby for the reduction of costs in health services and better
care plans to support those having challenges to promote equity. (Olshansky, 2017).
Partnership with health care agencies and organizations
Nurses could also create initiatives for health institutions to partner with private, social, or voluntary organizations to support those lacking resources to access medical services. They have to find out how other institutions are helping their patients with social difficulties. E.g., some hospitals screen their patients to find how they can offer them appropriate treatment. These initiatives will help nurses in their role in promoting social justice and health equity. (Garcia, 2014).
References
Brach, C (2002) Reducing disparities through culturally competent healthcare: An analysis of the business case. Qual Manag Health Care. doi: 10.1097/00019514-200210040-0000
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12938253/
Garcia, J (2014). Partnerships, Research, and Leadership to Advance Health Equity and Eliminate Health Disparities. American Journal of Public Health
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5151904
Olshansky, E (2017) Social Determinants of Health: The Role of Nursing. American Journal of Nursing doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000527463.16094.39
https://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/Fulltext/2017/12000/Social_Determinants_of_Health_The _Role_of_Nursing.2.aspx
Peter, F.(2002) Health Equity and Social Justice. Wiley Online Library.doi 10.1111/1468-5930.00183
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1468-5930.00183
