Date of Graduation

Fall 2010

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing

Department

Nursing

Committee Chair

Susan Sims-Giddens

Abstract

As trends in health care are shifting from reactive treatment to a proactive modern view of health wellness and prevention, attention needs to focus on health care utilization patterns of the vulnerable. A literature review was conducted to determine what current models were being engaged to measure patterns of health care utilization within the vulnerable population. There was a lack of information regarding health care utilization within the vulnerable population. An instrument was developed to measure utilization patterns of the vulnerable population who access care from the Coalition for Healthy Communities. The instrument was pilot tested and the outcomes of the study were to determine: (1) where the vulnerable population receives their health care; (2) if the population is able to receive care when they need it; and (3) when the population seeks health care. Data were collected from 52 participants. Research revealed that 86.5% of the population did not have access to health insurance. Chronic disease afflicted 83% of participants while 44% of those individuals had more than one chronic illness. Hypertension and depression were the top two diagnosed conditions. Only 23% of participants utilized health care services for the purpose of health promotion. Over 50% of those studied utilized The Kitchen Clinic, Inc. for health care services within the last year. In addition, 39% used only the emergency room for health care services. Nearly 33% of the participants stated that they were unable to receive health care when it was needed. Knowing the needs of this population will have a positive impact on the health of the community.

Keywords

utilization, vulnerable, outcomes, measurement, health promotion

Subject Categories

Nursing

Copyright

© Candise Elaine Jordan

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