[Verified Answer]: respond to this discussion Staffing shortages…

respond to this discussion Staffing shortages is the healthcare issue that I chose to discuss. According to Slonim (2023) staffing shortages can cause delays in access to care which often results in patients not receiving necessary treatment or having to adhere to appointments that are inconvenient and upsetting to their personal lives and livelihoods. I work in a drug rehab facility that helps individuals suffering from substance use disorder and mental health issues. We are lacking a mental health professional which is an important care provider for the treatment of these individuals. At the present time, while HR is seeking a mental health professional, the patients in need of mental healthcare are being referred to a sister facility. Having to go to another facility to receive mental healthcare is a burden to some patients because they must make an additional appointment and drive additional miles to the sister facility and thus use more gas. Access to care is the social determinant of health that is affected by staffing shortages. It is important for patients to have access to care because it relates to the quality-of-care received. When patients are not able to receive the care that they need due to staff shortages, they can have a deterioration in their health. In my healthcare facility this could be problems such as mismanagement of symptoms of depression, anxiety, or psychosis all of which may result in the patient harming themselves or others. According to Broome & Marshall (2021) access to healthcare can result in the improvement of population health within the United States. Addressing issues with staffing shortages can ensure that patients have access to proper care. The combination of paying attention to social determinants of health, prevention, and maintaining a skilled workforce is needed to meet some of the challenges of current healthcare issues (Amalberti, Vincent, Nicklin, & Braithwaite, 2019). Implementing effective policies can also alleviate staffing shortages. References