Social and Political Sciences
Topic:
Understanding the components of research and the research process is key to producing evidence-based research. Analyzing research is the first step in understanding these components. In this assignment you will analyze a research study.
Search the http://library.phoenix.edu/home for a peer-reviewed research study related to one of the following the https://grandchallengesforsocialwork.org/:
Ensure healthy development for all youth
Close the health gap
Build healthy relationships to end violence
Advance long and productive lives
Eradicate social isolation
End homelessness
Create social responses to a changing environment
Harness technology for social good
Eliminate racism
Promote smart decarceration
Build financial capability for all
Reduce extreme economic inequality
Achieve equal opportunity and justice
Write a 550 word analysis of the research study. Address the following questions and include the sub-headings as identified below:
Social Problem
What is the research problem(s)?
Research Question
What is the research question(s) and hypothesis (if given)?
Literature Review
Does the author use relevant literature? How does the literature cited support the study?
Does the author justify the need for the study (e.g., gap in literature)?
What methods and procedures are used?
How is informed consent applied to the study? What additional ethical guidelines are taken into consideration?
How was data analysis conducted?
Findings and Use
What are the major findings of the study? What is the importance of the findings?
How can this research be used in social work practice?
Note: Do not use any direct quotations in your assignment. You may paraphrase information and cite appropriately.
Include subheadings in your summary which align with the prompts above. Therefore, your subheadings for this assignment should be Social problem; Research question; Literature review; Findings and Use
Format your paper according to APA guidelines with a title page, in-text citations, sub-headings, reference page.
Social problem
The social problem identified in this research was the health equity gap. Therefore, the research is aimed at closing the health equity gap. According to evidence, the author acquired internationally, enhancing public health care services for disadvantaged and marginalized populations is crucial in reducing inequalities in the health sector. There is inadequate information known on how to increase equity in the public health sector. The author aimed his research on discussing the vital dimensions of equity-oriented service that will guide PHC. The other objective was to develop strategies to make equity-oriented public health services operational, primarily considering marginalized populations.
Literature review
The author justifies his study through various sources that are referenced in the research. These literature sources provide information that justifies the need to close the health equity gap. They also provide information on the condition facing the public health centers in Canada, more so the marginalized. The author referred to these sources from the introduction to the study’s scope, the interpretation of results, and any required literature.
The author drew facts for the research from two public health centers based in Canada. These public health centers are located in urban neighborhoods considered among the poorest in Canada. Qualitative, innovative approaches were applied in the ethnographic research. Mixed ethnographic methods were applied in collecting data which involve being intensively immersed in the health center. They involved methods such as interviewing, observation and analysis. In the interviews, in-depth interviews were conducted on 114 participants, among whom 73 were patients and 41 were the staff. The participants were for over 900 hours, and analysis was conducted on the main organizational documents. These methods and procedures were aimed at providing information on the policy and funding environments.
Public health care agencies and two university research ethics boards approved conducting their study. The participants also gave both verbal and written consents before any interviews or observations were conducted. Interpretive thematic analysis was conducted, which used procedures for qualitatively derived data. Qualitative computer software was also used in organizing and coding the data.
Findings and Use
The findings of the study identified four significant dimensions of equity-oriented public health care service. The services were specifically relevant whenever working with marginalized communities. The analysis also found ten strategies that would guide organizations towards improving their capacity for equity-oriented services. Another finding was related to the dimensions and strategies.
The findings from the research can be used in bridging the gap in health care equity. When implemented, the findings offer strategies that could help achieve equity in health care by providing more specialized services to all people despite their origin or region. These findings are also helpful in formulating strategies that can be followed in implementing and achieving equity in health care services for all people. With these findings, tailored care programs can also be provided that consider the context of people’s lives, such as their culture, gender, religion, and demographics.
Social work practice can apply these findings in its functioning, which is mainly helping people in society. Social work is aimed at service to humanity by ensuring they acquire the best service. With these findings, social workers have a strategy and way of pushing for equity in health care and that all people receive adequate care. Social workers can ensure that the tailored care programs can get to the intended group of people. Therefore, these findings help steer social work programs.
References
Browne, A. J., Varcoe, C. M., Wong, S. T., Smye, V. L., Lavoie, J., Littlejohn, D., … & Lennox, S. (2012). Closing the health equity gap: evidence-based strategies for primary health care organizations. International journal for equity in health, 11(1), 1-15.
Anastas, J. W. (2014). The science of social work and its relationship to social work practice. Research on Social Work Practice, 24(5), 571-580.
