Illness experience related to social determinants of health (SDH)
Illness experience related to social determinants of health (SDH)- poverty, homelessness, health literacy.
PURPOSE
A scholarly letter to the editor is a piece of academic writing. A balanced editorial is more likely to be read and appreciated. The purpose of writing a letter to the editor is to bring a professional nursing or client care issue to the attention of the readership of either a public newspaper (e.g., Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, National Post) a professional journal (e.g., Canadian Journal of Nursing Research) or a professional association (e.g., RNAO, CNA).
The letter can be for/against an issue related to healthcare or the healthcare system, or to inform the readership about an issue. Letters to editors are generally found on the editorial page of the publication.
The reasons you may want to bring an issue to the attention of a readership are varied: – you are concerned about an issue and want others to know;
– an issue is important to the profession, and you are compelled to speak out;
– you want others to consider a specific action; – to educate the public; and/or – to influence policymakers.
Sample Solution
Illness experience related to social determinants of health (SDH) such as poverty, homelessness, and health literacy is an important healthcare issue that needs to be addressed by the public. It is estimated that over 8 million Canadians are living in poverty and homelessness, making them more vulnerable to developing chronic illnesses due to a lack of access to quality healthcare services. In addition, issues around health literacy add another layer of complexity for patients trying to navigate the healthcare system.
Low levels of health literacy can lead to disparities in care for those who do not have adequate knowledge about their conditions or how best to navigate the healthcare system (Ratzan et al., 2018). This is especially true for individuals living in poverty since they often face financial barriers when it comes accessing quality clinical care or medications. Health-related information can also be difficult for persons facing language barriers or cultural differences which could impede their ability interpret medical advice accurately (Centers For Disease Control And Prevention, 2020).
These SDHs must be taken into consideration when providing patient-centered care since they ultimately impact illness experience and treatment outcomes. Healthcare professionals should assess each patient’s individual circumstances so they can better educate them and provide tailored treatments accordingly. Additionally, policy makers need recognize these SDHs in order prioritize resources which will help improve patient’s well being and overall quality of life (World Health Organization 2008).
