final paper Assignment Learning Outcomes This week students will: Identify different perspectives on approaches to care. Discuss the importance of collaboration between policymakers and vulnerable populations in the improvement of health care reform. Produce a Final Paper or PowerPoint presentation examining a model program for a vulnerable population. Introduction Welcome to the final week of class! Over the last several weeks, we’ve examined a number of elements that underscore the need to provide quality and accessible health care to our nation’s most vulnerable groups. As we conclude our course, we are left with a critical question, œWhere do we go from here? We’ll explore this inquiry in our readings as we prepare for the upcoming changes to our health care system. You’ll have two final opportunities to apply your knowledge of the course concepts in the discussion forums. It will be here that you will consider approaches to care and a proposed policy for a special population which we have not discussed in class. By the end of the week, you will have become an expert on your chosen vulnerable group through your hard work developing a model program! Required Resources Required Text Read the text, Special Populations in Health Care: Chapter 10: Where do we go from Here? This final chapter provides a summative overview of the future of health care and vulnerable populations. Articles Bruner, P., Davey, M. P., & Waite, R. (2011). Culturally sensitive collaborative care models: Exploration of a community-based health center. Family Systems & Health, 29(3), 155-170. Retrieved from the PsycARTICLES database. This qualitative study addresses professional collaboration and cultural sensitivity issues within a community health center. Schor, E. L., Berenson, J., Shih, A., Collins, S. R., Schoe, C., Riley, P., & Dermody, C. (2011). Ensuring equity: A post-reform framework for achieving high performance health care for vulnerable populations. Retrieved from This article addresses proposed strategies to health disparities with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Recommended Resources Articles Institute for Alternative Futures (n.d.). Vulnerability 2030. Retrieved from This site entails a detailed 2030 scenario report, along with related tools and videos which provide insight into the future of the vulnerable over the next two decades. Lowe, J. I., Bezold, C., & Haskins, R. (2011). Vulnerability 2030. Retrieved from This article provides a brief overview of what vulnerability may look like in 2030. Crucial factors that affect current and future vulnerability are analyzed. Lastly, the article explores possibilities of how our actions today may positively impact the health and well-being of the vulnerable in the future. Websites Creative Commons. (http://creativecommons.org/) Flickr. (http://www.flickr.com/) Discussions To participate in the following discussions, go to this week’s Discussion link in the left navigation. Variations in Approaches to Care This week’s first discussion forum will focus on immigrants and refugees. Describe the basic premise of both the community and market-oriented approach to health care, as highlighted in Chapter 10 of your text. To what extent is each multidisciplinary? How might each approach help and/or hinder health care access for immigrants and refugees? What are ways in which these approaches can promote a culturally inclusive health care experience for this group? Include a brief analysis of the role that health delivery models can play alongside these approaches in the provision of culturally competent care. Your initial contribution should be 250 to 300 words in length. Your research and claims must be supported by a minimum of two scholarly sources beyond your course text. Use proper APA formatting for in-text citations and references as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Guided Response: Review several of your classmates’ posts. Provide a substantive response (minimum of 100 words) to at least two of your peers. How does your understanding of cultural inclusivity compare and/or contrast to that of your peers? Making a Difference For this final forum, describe a multidisciplinary approach for a vulnerable population that we have not covered in class. Imagine you are a policymaker for your city or town. Based on what you know, and what you have learned in this course, what would you modify or improve to make a positive change in the life of a vulnerable group we have not covered in class? Would you consult the vulnerable group when developing programs or policies? Why or why not? Which policy would you create to improve health care services accessibility, cost, and quality related to your selected group? Your initial contribution should be 250 to 300 words in length. Your research and claims must be supported by a minimum of two scholarly sources beyond your course text. Use proper APA formatting for in-text citations and references as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Guided Response: Review several of your classmates’ posts. Provide a substantive response (minimum of 100 words) to at least two of your peers. What new things did you learn about another vulnerable population from your colleagues? Final Project To complete the following final paper, go to this week’s Final Paper link in the left navigation. Final Project Imagine you are a policymaker or city council member and are actively involved in improving the lives of the vulnerable. Via the first two written assignments, you have already selected one vulnerable population, which is in need of a new program or service within your community. You will research and design a presentation (APA style Paper or PowerPoint Presentation), which you will present at the next city meeting to advocate for your special population group. The Final Project should demonstrate an understanding of the reading assignments, class discussions, as well as your own research and application of new knowledge. It must contain the following elements below and be re-written in your own words (you are welcome to refer to your previous assignments for guidance, but do not copy and paste from them): A description of why this population group is vulnerable and in desperate need for help within your community. Identification of the health service needs of this special population. In order to support your claims and opinions, cite statistical data obtained from the county health department, state health department, and/or other organizations and agencies. Design a model program or service, which is needed to improve the lives of your chosen population within your community. Remember to design a new program not currently existent within your community. In your design, include the following: A description of the continuum of care level (preventive, treatment, or long-term care) your program or service fall into and how it meets the needs of your selected group. An analysis of the delivery modes of health services to be included. A discussion regarding the multidisciplinary approach that is incorporated into the program. An analysis of the role of legal and ethical requirements in the design of the program. Identification of a minimum of two community agencies/organizations you would like to partner with in some way(s) in order to implement this program/service. Explain why you would like to partner with these organizations and how can they help or benefit you with the implementation of your program/service. Analysis of the current funding sources for provision of health services to this special population. Discuss the use of integrated funding. Based on your research, identify a minimum of two funding sources that may potentially provide monetary sponsorship for your program or service. Explain why these entities would be likely funding sources. Be detailed and convincing in describing the above elements, as you are attempting to win as much support from the attending members as possible. Writing the Final Paper The Final Paper: Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a title page with the following: Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. Must use at least six scholarly sources, not including the textbook. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.