Quality Gap in Healthcare Scientific research can be thought of as a complex problem-solving endeavor (Leong & Austin, 2006). Research is conducted to refine or reject theories or to develop new theories (Leong & Austin, 2006). Current research shows that health disparities are systematically linked with socially disadvantaged populations (Braveman, Kumanyika, Fielding, LaVeist, Borrell, Manderscheid, & Troutman, 2011). Health disparities are avoidable health differences according to race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), or other characteristics associated with discrimination or marginalization (Braveman, et al., 2011). When attempting to improve the health status of individuals in developed countries, the primary focus is on improving
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Nearly six years later, the effectiveness of the ACA is still questionable. Hospitals located in low to middle class neighborhoods are seeing more volume, and thus more revenue. Others are taxed by the burden of patients with government mandated insurances. Further study is needed to determine if the physical conditions of the hospitals in low SES neighborhoods have improved since the ACA’s enactment, and if the health of socially marginalized individuals has improved. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if the quality gap in hospitals located in low SES and high SES communities has decreased since the enactment of the ACA. Further, this study seeks to determine if the overall health of socially marginalized groups has increased since the ACA took effect. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs may be appropriate for this purpose. Both methods have inherent strengths and weaknesses. The following paper will address the appropriateness of a qualitative and quantitative research design when determining the effectiveness of the ACA.
Quantitative Research …show more content…
The secondary purpose is to determine if access to health care has improved the overall health of socially marginalized groups. Qualitative research methods are appropriate to explore the deeper impact that hospital conditions have on the self-worth of a person. Interviews with individuals impacted by the ACA can also speak to improvements (or decline) in health of the individual. However, qualitative methods alone are inadequate to address all of the research questions. A qualitative description of hospital conditions will vary according to the person interviewed. One person may be satisfied with the conditions of the hospital, while another is completely dissatisfied. Therefore, an exclusively qualitative method is not
Nearly six years later, the effectiveness of the ACA is still questionable. Hospitals located in low to middle class neighborhoods are seeing more volume, and thus more revenue. Others are taxed by the burden of patients with government mandated insurances. Further study is needed to determine if the physical conditions of the hospitals in low SES neighborhoods have improved since the ACA’s enactment, and if the health of socially marginalized individuals has improved. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if the quality gap in hospitals located in low SES and high SES communities has decreased since the enactment of the ACA. Further, this study seeks to determine if the overall health of socially marginalized groups has increased since the ACA took effect. Both quantitative and qualitative research designs may be appropriate for this purpose. Both methods have inherent strengths and weaknesses. The following paper will address the appropriateness of a qualitative and quantitative research design when determining the effectiveness of the ACA.
Quantitative Research …show more content…
The secondary purpose is to determine if access to health care has improved the overall health of socially marginalized groups. Qualitative research methods are appropriate to explore the deeper impact that hospital conditions have on the self-worth of a person. Interviews with individuals impacted by the ACA can also speak to improvements (or decline) in health of the individual. However, qualitative methods alone are inadequate to address all of the research questions. A qualitative description of hospital conditions will vary according to the person interviewed. One person may be satisfied with the conditions of the hospital, while another is completely dissatisfied. Therefore, an exclusively qualitative method is not