As of 2019, congenital heart defects affected roughly 1.3 million individuals in America. Mild heart defects are shown to present in at least eight of every one thousand babies. Experts believe that about one in four infants born with these defects need intervention in their first 12 months of life to survive. Now, new research has determined that children in heavily polluted areas classified as economically and socially deprived were almost 50% more likely to suffer from congenital heart defects as compared to those from less polluted and less deprived areas.
This comes after research by the American Heart Association observed a possible link between severe heart defects and pollution.
While the need for healthcare access is important for all, it is limited for children from impoverished neighborhoods. Disparities in accessing quality healthcare can be a result of infrastructure shortcomings, financial constraints and a general lack of medical professionals. In addition, a study whose findings were reported in “Frontiers in Public Health” recently highlighted that socioeconomic factors play a huge role in perpetuating disparities in healthcare. Most families, particularly those with no comprehensive insurance, find it hard to access preventative healthcare.
So, how can we address these disparities in healthcare access?
To address these challenges, a multifaceted approach involving the improvement of telehealth capabilities and the expansion of specialist availability is needed. By increasing the number of specialists available in satellite clinics in nonurban areas and exploring policies to improve insurance accessibility, we can ensure access to care for children afflicted with congenital heart defects. This may also facilitate an easier transition to adult care for grownups with congenital heart disease.
Healthcare companies can also improve access to pediatric care by supporting local community health initiatives through collaborations with healthcare organizations at the local level. By engaging with communities, healthcare companies can pinpoint areas for innovation in delivery of healthcare, which may drive meaningful improvements. This could include advancements in drug development, medical devices or even new models for healthcare.
Entrepreneurs can also align their goals with social change, which may benefit children as well as families in need while also driving profit and positive change simultaneously. In addition, entrepreneurs can invest in research that centers on pediatric healthcare, a move that may facilitate advancements in pediatric care and enhance outcomes for children with a range of indications. Furthermore, working closely with stakeholders and insurance companies could facilitate the development of solutions to enhance access for underserved populations and decrease healthcare costs.
The challenge is a massive one, and entities such as Astiva Health that are doing the best they can to ensure that minorities on Medicare receive comprehensive and personalized care can go a long way in narrowing the divide in access to pediatric care.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Astiva Health are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/Astiva
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