Date of this Version
12-4-2023
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), causing about 17.9 million deaths annually, disproportionately impacts underserved populations facing access barriers due to socio-economic challenges. The United Health Initiative (UHI) clinic, serving uninsured individuals, struggles to provide comprehensive cardiovascular services due to a shortage of specialists and resources, exacerbating health disparities and economic challenges for these populations.
Objectives: The objective of this quality improvement project was to identify gaps and challenges and to assess the availability and accessibility of CVS for UPs with cardiovascular disease. In addition, to analyze the impact of the needs assessment on service delivery.
Methodology: The project was conducted at the UHI Community Health Clinic in Miami, FL, targeting adult patients referred to a cardiologist in the past six months. A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted, focusing on patients aged 18 or older who understood English or Spanish.
Results: Out of 23 patients, 13 participated, with females making up 69% of this group. Participants were evenly distributed across age groups 45-54, 55-64, and over 65 years, with 31% in each category. A significant 62% identified as African American. Analysis indicated substantial knowledge gaps and the necessity for improved access to cardiovascular services to mitigate health disparities among underserved populations. The study also shed light on demographic trends, referral patterns, and disparities in cardiologist consultations.
Conclusion: The study at UHI Clinic reveals difficulties in cardiac care access, especially for female and African American patients. Despite a small sample size, it highlights patients' trust in the clinic and systemic barriers like insurance and transportation issues. The increasing trend in cardiologist referrals and unmet consultations suggests gaps in referral and follow-up processes. 5
These findings emphasize the need for equitable healthcare and inform broader research and intervention strategies to enhance cardiology services and healthcare delivery.
Recommended Citation
Sanchez Morell, Yudelsy, "A Needs Assessment: Improving Access to Cardiac Healthcare for Underserved Populations in a Community Clinic" (2023). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 241.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/241