Exploring the meaning of "underserved:" a call to action

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Access and Equity

Background:

• The definition of healthcare in the United States is often narrowly focused on medical care.
• A lack of a clear standard for comprehensive healthcare services complicates the assessment of healthcare distribution.
• The concept of 'underserved' populations is critical in understanding healthcare disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the definition of healthcare in America.
• To analyze healthcare service distribution and the concept of 'underserved' populations.
• To challenge the limited definition of healthcare as solely 'medical care'.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of healthcare definitions.
• Examination of healthcare service distribution models.
• Argumentative critique of the prevailing healthcare paradigm.

Main Results:

• The current healthcare system in America lacks a defined standard for comprehensive services.
• A significant portion of the American population can be considered 'underserved' within this system.
• Nursing care is identified as a particularly underserved area of healthcare.

Conclusions:

• The prevailing definition of healthcare as 'medical care' is insufficient and contributes to underserved populations.
• A broader definition of healthcare, encompassing services like nursing care, is necessary.
• Re-evaluating healthcare standards is crucial for equitable service distribution.