This paper examines healthcare inequity by distinguishing between equality and equity in healthcare delivery and identifying three prevalent types of disparities: access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. It explores how Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are uniquely positioned to address these inequities through their clinical scope of practice and ethical obligations outlined in the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics. The paper discusses practical strategies including policy advocacy, culturally competent care, telehealth expansion, community health assessments, and peer education, framing APRNs as essential leaders in building a more equitable healthcare system for all populations.
Healthcare inequity refers to the gap between those who receive the care they need and those who do not — a difference that is considered unfair (Artiga et al., 2020). The distinction between equity and equality reflects two different approaches in healthcare. Equality involves providing the same resources and opportunities to everyone, while equity refers to how resources are allocated so as to produce an equal outcome — that is, equal health — for all (Lewis et al., 2021). For example, equality in healthcare means that everyone receives the same number of doctor visits, whereas equity means that people receive care proportional to their individual health needs.
The three most prevalent types of healthcare inequities are access to care, quality of care, and health outcomes. Access to care varies among different socioeconomic groups, geographic locations, and racial and ethnic communities (Artiga et al., 2020). People living in rural areas often have less access to care due to sparse population density, and lower-income communities may struggle to afford necessary treatments or face the same lack of access due to the for-profit nature of healthcare. To address these inequities, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) can advocate for policy changes that would increase funding for rural health clinics or implement mobile health units to reach underserved areas (Artiga et al., 2020). Expanding telehealth services is another possible strategy to improve access, since it helps serve patients in remote locations.
The quality of care received by different populations is another dimension of inequity. Minority groups and low-income patients tend to receive substandard care compared to those in wealthier communities who have more healthcare options, better insurance, and more services available in their locale. APRNs can spearhead initiatives to standardize care protocols across all demographics, ensuring that every patient receives high-quality treatment regardless of background. Additionally, APRNs can train healthcare providers to deliver culturally competent care (Lewis et al., 2021).
Health outcomes such as life expectancy and disease prevalence also differ across populations. For example, African Americans have higher rates of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes compared to white Americans (Artiga et al., 2020). APRNs can address this issue by launching community-based health programs that focus on preventive health education, self-care, and disease management. They can work with local community organizers and leaders to design programs that meet the specific health needs of the community.
APRNs can address health inequities thanks to their scope of practice and commitment to ethics. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics for Nurses, APRNs have a responsibility to advocate for social justice and the elimination of health disparities (American Nurses Association, 2015). Their scope of practice allows them to diagnose and treat illnesses and prescribe medications. In states where they can act independently of physicians, they can establish nurse-led clinics in disadvantaged areas to improve access to care.
The ethical standards in the ANA Code of Ethics provide a moral guide for APRNs working to address health inequity. The Code indicates that the nurse's role in advocating for patient rights and social justice includes addressing social determinants of health such as poverty, education, environment, and housing (American Nurses Association, 2015). Provision 8, in particular, clearly states the importance of promoting health equity and reducing health disparities. Guided by this Code, APRNs can advocate for policies that address the root causes of health inequities.
"APRNs lobby for Medicaid and educate peers"
"Community assessments and local health programs"
Understanding equity and equality, identifying key types of healthcare inequities, and applying the full scope of practice while adhering to the ethical standards of the APRN Code of Ethics are all important steps in achieving health equity. APRNs should be leaders in this process, as they have the training, skills, standards, and mandate to drive change. They can lead in policy advocacy, education, and community engagement, thereby helping to bring about a more equitable healthcare system in which all patients, across all populations, receive the care appropriate to their needs.
You’re 69% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 2 sections.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.