BSN 3C COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

(LECTURE)

Reflection Paper on The Emerging Public Health Issues

In the fast-paced realm of healthcare, it is essential for nurses and nursing students to
grasp the contemporary trends and challenges in public health. The article "Emerging Public
Health Issues of 2023" from the Keck School of Medicine at USC provides a valuable lens
through which we can explore the evolving landscape of public health. In this reflection
paper, we will focus on three key areas: public health authority, health equity, and the game-
changing role of telehealth.

As student nurses, our exploration of public health authority reveals a concerning

trend highlighted in a 2021 report by the Network for Public Health Law: 15 states
considering or enacting laws that undermine crucial public health measures. These legislative
responses, triggered by debates over COVID-19 measures, could prohibit local and state
governments from enforcing vital actions like mask mandates and business closures. The
potential consequences are profound, including increased community spread of diseases, loss
of essential expertise, slower response times, and a threat to health equity, particularly
affecting marginalized communities.

On the other hand, the acknowledgment of health disparities rooted in race,

gender, and socioeconomic factors underscores the persistent challenge faced by public
health experts. It highlights that individuals lacking access to preventive healthcare and
treatments for chronic and acute diseases experience elevated rates of illness, disability, and
premature death. Understanding these disparities prompts a crucial awareness of the social
determinants affecting health outcomes, shaping my commitment to delivering holistic and
equitable care.

Moreover, the identified health equity initiatives serve as valuable lessons for
student nurses. Initiatives such as providing health information in diverse languages, offering
low-cost preventive health services, conducting mobile health screenings, enabling flexible
appointment scheduling, and embracing telehealth emphasize the importance of accessibility
and inclusivity in healthcare delivery. Learning from these examples encourages me to
approach patient care with cultural sensitivity, recognizing and respecting individual
differences. By prioritizing wellness to prevent more costly medical care, the focus shifts
towards a proactive and preventive approach, aligning with the principles of comprehensive
and community-centered nursing. In essence, this statement on health equity not only raises
awareness about the existing disparities but also guides student nurses towards a
compassionate and proactive mindset, essential for fostering a more equitable healthcare
system.

The advent of eHealth has introduced transformative possibilities in healthcare

delivery, yet its integration into public health has not been without challenges. As a student
nurse, the emergence of eHealth as an issue in public health has shaped my understanding of
the evolving healthcare landscape. It underscores the need for a critical examination of how
technology impacts health equity and accessibility. While eHealth offers the potential for
improved healthcare delivery and accessibility, it also raises concerns about the digital divide,
where individuals lacking access to technology may be left behind in the pursuit of health
services. This realization prompts a reflection on the ethical dimensions of healthcare
technology, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that advancements do not inadvertently
exacerbate existing disparities. As student nurses, learning from the complexities of eHealth
encourages us to advocate for inclusive and ethical implementation, promoting technological
solutions that enhance rather than hinder equitable access to healthcare. The integration of
eHealth into public health initiatives becomes an opportunity for us to navigate the evolving
healthcare landscape with a commitment to ensuring that technological advancements
contribute to a more inclusive and just healthcare system.

References:
10 Emerging Public Health Issues of 2023 | Online Masters in Public Health. (n.d.).
https://mphdegree.usc.edu/blog/10-public-health-issues-of-2023
Maroju, R. G., Choudhari, S. G., Shaikh, M. K., Borkar, S. K., & Mendhe, H. (2023). Role of
telemedicine and digital technology in public health in India: a narrative review. Cureus.
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.35986