Business Case for Change
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Slide 1
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Hi everyone, I am _____. Today, I will present the business proposal developed for implementing a solution to improve health literacy in this community. This will affect the Medical Center, and solve this critical economic issue in healthcare.
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Slide 2
The major issue in the medical Center is that the patient’s lack of health literacy. This means many people don’t understand what is said and how to use this health information, this can lead to delayed or in worse case completely avoided healthcare. This can result in worsening health conditions, increased healthcare costs, and difficulty to in access to appropriate healthcare. Lack of health literacy affects a significant portion of the population, with 42% of adults in my area experiencing low health literacy, contributing to health disparities and inequities(Ancker et al., 2020). Low health literacy adversely affects individual health outcomes and obstructs the pursuit of health equity within the community. This underscores the urgency for targeted interventions and culturally appropriate solutions to tackle this significant economic challenge in healthcare.(Kaye et al., 2021)
Summarize the Problem and Its Potential Impact
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Slide 3
Summary of Problem
I want to address a healthcare economic issue related to the lack of health literacy at BMC in my community. to tackle a significant healthcare economic issue connected to inadequate health literacy at the healthcare facility in my community. Addressing the main problem is, poor health literacy affects 42% of adults, posing a substantial challenge. This issue accounts for 11% of the total healthcare expenditure in the United States, with annual costs ranging from $78 billion to $148 billion(Ancker et al., 2020). It places a strain on healthcare facilities and exacerbates health disparities. To address this problem effectively, we need tailored interventions, cultural sensitivity, and a deep understanding of the individual challenges faced by people. This approach will enable individuals to make improved health decisions, ultimately enhancing the well-being of the community(Baumeister et al., 2021).
Potential Impact on Me and My Colleagues
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Slide 4
The healthcare economic issue caused by, inadequate health literacy, profoundly impacts both me and my colleagues at our healthcare facility on a personal and professional level. As a healthcare provider, I see every day how patients with low health literacy struggle to grasp their medical conditions, treatment options, and healthcare instructions. These challenges can lead to emotional strain and frustration for both patients and providers. It highlights our ethical duty to close the health literacy gap and provide equitable care. Additionally, it requires our team to continuously adapt and innovate in how we communicate, often needing extra time and resources. This issue deeply influences our daily operations and constantly reinforces the critical need for systemic changes to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their level of health literacy, receive the healthcare they need(Aljassim & Ostini, 2020).
Impact on Organization and Community
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Slide 5
The issue of low health literacy has significant implications across my organization, healthcare facility, and the broader community. Within our center, it compels healthcare professionals to continually adapt and innovate in how we care for patients who struggle with health literacy. This challenge not only complicates medical needs but also often prolongs the time needed for effective communication. It imposes additional ethical and logistical burdens on our organization as we aim to provide equitable healthcare access, complicating resource distribution and program development. In the Dorchester community, limited health literacy exacerbates health disparities, leading to unequal access to healthcare and poorer health outcomes, thereby intensifying societal inequalities. By addressing this issue, we not only improve healthcare within our organization but also stand to make a positive impact on the wider community. This endeavor aligns with our commitment to justice and fairness, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, can lead healthier lives.(Liu et al., 2022)
Feasibility and Cost-Benefit Consideration
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Side 6
Strong evidence supports the practicality and cost-effectiveness of addressing the healthcare economic issue of insufficient health literacy. In the United States, inadequate health literacy places a significant financial strain on healthcare systems, with annual costs estimated between $78 billion and $148 billion, representing 11% of total healthcare spending (Ancker et al., 2020)These expenses arise from increased hospital admissions, extended hospital stays, and unnecessary healthcare costs due to misunderstandings and non-compliance with medical instructions. Additionally, studies show that low health literacy can affect up to 50% of an individual’s health outcomes, highlighting its profound impact on community health. Enhancing health literacy could potentially save the U.S. healthcare system between $12 billion to $25 billion annually(Financial Health Literacy and Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Concept Analysis, n.d.).
However, despite the significant benefits, there are notable risks that could jeopardize the financial stability of healthcare organizations like mine. A primary concern is the upfront investment needed to launch comprehensive health literacy programs. Such initiatives might require spending on staff training, educational materials, and technology to support patient education. Moreover, the financial returns from health literacy improvements may not be immediate, posing a risk of short-term fiscal pressures. Additionally, healthcare organizations face the challenge of accurately measuring the direct effects of health literacy improvements on cost savings, which may also be influenced by external factors(Yagi et al., 2022).
Three Ways to Mitigate Risks of Financial Security
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Slide 7
Reducing financial risks for healthcare organizations like my clinic, while addressing challenges related to health literacy, can be accomplished using the following evidence-based strategies:
Cost-Benefit Analysis
We can perform a thorough cost-benefit analysis prior to launching health literacy programs. This way we can evaluate the weight if the initial investment against potential long-term savings. According to research from the UnitedHealth Group (2022), enhancing health literacy could save the U.S. healthcare system between $12 billion and $25 billion annually. By calculating these potential savings and balancing them against the costs of the program, organizations can make well-informed decisions about allocating resources
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation
Healthcare institutions need to implement strong monitoring and analytical systems to assess the effectiveness and financial impact of health literacy interventions over time. Regular reviews can pinpoint areas where the program might require adjustments or enhancements. This method is in line with research that highlights the importance of continuous evaluation to determine how health literacy initiatives affect cost savings.
Collaboration and Partnerships
We can partner with external organizations and community groups to distribute the financial load and consolidate resources. Local community organizations and agencies might already have programs or funding available that could bolster health literacy initiatives. Utilizing these partnerships can help ease the financial pressure on healthcare organizations and enhance the scope and effectiveness of health literacy projects.
The Proposed Changes or Solutions to Address Economic Issue
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Slide 8
A comprehensive approach is proposed to tackle the economic challenges posed by insufficient health literacy are as follows, health literacy education programs should be implemented within healthcare environments to equip patients with the necessary skills to comprehend and manage their health effectively. These programs need to include basic language, visual aids, and materials that are culturally attuned to improve understanding. We can also invert in the recruitment and training of patient navigators, this will help close communication gaps and assist patients in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Thirdly, building partnerships with community organizations can help establish support networks and expand the reach of health literacy efforts. These evidence-based strategies are supported by research and provide a holistic solution to reduce the economic impact of low health literacy and enhance community health.
Benefits of Proposed Changes
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Slide 9
The proposed comprehensive solution to the economic problem of insufficient health literacy offers numerous benefits for our organization, clinic, and the wider community. By implementing health literacy education programs within healthcare settings, we empower patients and enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery, potentially easing the burden on healthcare providers and improving interactions between patients and providers. Investing in patient navigators enhances patient experiences and can reduce healthcare utilization costs by preventing misunderstandings and delays in care. Collaborating with community organizations strengthens community support networks and broadens the impact of health literacy initiatives, fostering a healthier and more informed Dorchester community. These advantages are in line with our commitment to equity and justice and provide a practical route to improve the well-being of all stakeholders in healthcare, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous community.
Proposed Solution Analysis in Terms of Cultural, Ethical, And Equitable
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Slide 10
The proposed solution emphasizes cultural sensitivity, ethics, and equity within the community at my medical facility. Health literacy education programs are carefully crafted to be culturally sensitive, incorporating plain language, visual aids, and materials that reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds of the community, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Patient navigators are selected and trained with a focus on cultural competence, enhancing patient-provider interactions while honoring cultural nuances. Collaborating with community organizations underscores a commitment to equity by leveraging existing community networks to ensure that interventions reach marginalized groups. Crucially, this solution is ethically rooted in the principle of equitable access to healthcare information and services, aiming to lessen disparities without disadvantaging any specific groups. It addresses ethical concerns by prioritizing inclusivity and cultural understanding, empowering all individuals in the community(Fusar-Poli et al., 2022).
Equitable Cost and Access
The proposed solution aims to guarantee equitable access and mindful cost management for all community groups. Health literacy education programs will be offered in several languages, using plain language and visual aids to break down language and literacy barriers. This ensures that individuals from various linguistic backgrounds have equal opportunities to benefit. Patient navigators will receive training to offer unbiased support, making certain that every community member is guided fairly through the healthcare system. Partnerships with community organizations will target underserved populations, tackle social determinants of health, and work towards reducing disparities. Throughout the implementation of this solution, the principle of equity and fairness will be steadfastly maintained(McGawley et al., 2023).
Conclusion
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Slide 11
The proposed solution to tackle the economic issue of insufficient health literacy at our clinic is comprehensive, culturally aware, ethical, and equitable. It emphasizes cultural competence, inclusivity, and customized support for diverse groups, ensuring fair access and mindful cost management. By implementing health literacy programs, employing patient navigators, and engaging in community partnerships, our approach demonstrates a commitment to overcoming health disparities. These strategies are backed by research and provide a holistic method to lessen the economic impact. Overall, they contribute to fostering a healthier, better-informed, and equitable community.
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References
Aljassim, N., & Ostini, R. (2020). Health literacy in rural and urban populations: A systematic review. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(10), 2142–2154.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2020.06.007
Ancker, J. S., Grossman, L. V., & Benda, N. C. (2020). Health Literacy 2030: Is It Time to Redefine the Term? Journal of General Internal Medicine, 35(8), 2427–2430.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-019-05472-y
Baumeister, A., Chakraverty, D., Aldin, A., Seven, Ü. S., Skoetz, N., Kalbe, E., & Woopen, C. (2021). “The system has to be health literate, too”—Perspectives among healthcare professionals on health literacy in transcultural treatment settings. BMC Health Services Research, 21(1), 716.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06614-x
Financial Health Literacy and Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Concept Analysis. (n.d.).
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/nuf/2024/3400780/
Fusar-Poli, P., Manchia, M., Koutsouleris, N., Leslie, D., Woopen, C., Calkins, M. E., Dunn, M., Tourneau, C. L., Mannikko, M., Mollema, T., Oliver, D., Rietschel, M., Reininghaus, E. Z., Squassina, A., Valmaggia, L., Kessing, L. V., Vieta, E., Correll, C. U., Arango, C., & Andreassen, O. A. (2022). Ethical considerations for precision psychiatry: A roadmap for research and clinical practice. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 63, 17–34.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.08.001
Kaye, A. D., Okeagu, C. N., Pham, A. D., Silva, R. A., Hurley, J. J., Arron, B. L., Sarfraz, N., Lee, H. N., Ghali, G. E., Gamble, J. W., Liu, H., Urman, R. D., & Cornett, E. M. (2021). Economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare facilities and systems: International perspectives. Best Practice & Research Clinical Anaesthesiology, 35(3), 293–306.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpa.2020.11.009
Liu, S., Zhao, H., Fu, J., Kong, D., Zhong, Z., Hong, Y., Tan, J., & Luo, Y. (2022). Current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China: A cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 22(1), 996.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13378-4
McGawley, K., Sargent, D., Noordhof, D., Badenhorst, C. E., Julian, R., & Govus, A. D. (2023). Improving menstrual health literacy in sport. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 26(7), 351–357
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2023.06.007
Yagi, B. F., Luster, J. E., Scherer, A. M., Farron, M. R., Smith, J. E., & Tipirneni, R. (2022). Association of Health Insurance Literacy with Health Care Utilization: A Systematic Review. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 37(2), 375–389.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-021-06819-0
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