Barriers Associated with Cardiovascular Disease and the Impact of Primary Care Leading to Necessary Emergency Department Visits in The Central Valley

Tanisha Garcia; Emanuel Alcala; Shareen Purewal; Ashley Garispe; Travis Helm

doi:10.22158/rhs.v8n4p34

Authors

Tanisha Garcia California State University Fresno https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7358-7514
Emanuel Alcala Central Valley Health Policy Institute Assistant Director
Shareen Purewal
Ashley Garispe St. Agnes Fresno State
Travis Helm St. Agnes Emergency Room

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22158/rhs.v8n4p34

Abstract

Purpose: The research identified barriers associated with cardiovascular disease and the impact of primary care leading to emergency department (ED) visits in the Central Valley.

Methods: A semi-structured 16-question interview was conducted at St. Agnes Medical Center in order to gain a fuller understanding of the involvement of primary care providers and their interactions in educating individuals about CVD.

Results: 54 of the total 63 participants report having access to primary care however, some patients expressed they never had access to a cardiologist. Many of the participants (41 of 63) were confident that their care providers were greatly knowledgeable. A total of 46 of the 63 participants felt adequately cared for, while eight of the participants felt that the care, they received was not adequate by reporting that the care was bad or inadequate. Participants expressed that there were some challenges in receiving accessibility of care and many faced socioeconomic challenges.

Conclusion: There have been many studies focusing on readmission rates with the expansion of ACA. However, none specifically evaluates a region within a state that has multiple socio-economic challenges and the use of primary care visits in relation to cardiovascular disease emergency department visits. There are many socioeconomic factors that, when not favorable, can lead to inadequate care towards the patient. Therefore, strategies to improve the care provided to diagnosed patients should be informed and guided by the influence that these socio-economic factors have with regard to the healthcare experience.

Author Biographies

Tanisha Garcia, California State University Fresno

Dr. Tanisha Garcia is an associate professor in the Department of Public Health. She received her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and a master’s degree in Management in Healthcare Administration from National American University, Rapid City, and a Ph.D. in Health Services/Healthcare Administration from Walden University, Minneapolis.

In my current role as a full time faculty member at Fresno State, I strive to educate our students about diversity, health, multiculturalism, and inclusion, and how it plays an essential role within each of us and our society. Although these are very important, I feel the Health Policy and Leadership provide me with an opportunity to learn more about the San Joaquin Valley region and better prepare me to be a contributor to the research. I have had several educational and life fulfilling opportunities in the field of leadership but never in this type of environment. Due to the nature of this program; I believe it will provide me with an opportunity to continue to be a catalyst not only within higher education, but within the community as well. In addition, this program will help me further my understanding of the Central Valley and the respective institutions that support some of the challenges

She has more than 20 years of professional experience in various positions within health care from outpatient facilities to corporate governance. She began her teaching career path in allied healthcare programs and later developed a passion for leadership styles and theories. Recent ventures include serving in a position for Information Management in Healthcare and a position as Program Director of Process Improvement both striking an interest in Change Management.

Garcia's research interests include health policy, leadership styles and theories, change management, organizational transformation, and healthcare information management.

Emanuel Alcala, Central Valley Health Policy Institute Assistant Director

Dr. Emanuel Alcala is the asssitant director of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute.

Shareen Purewal

Biology graduate student with a minor in public health

Ashley Garispe, St. Agnes Fresno State

Undergraduate: California State University, Fresno
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences, COMP
Residency: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center

Interests: teaching, traveling, reading, writing, baking, watching movies, bike riding, swimming, wine tasting, hanging out with my husband and dog. I am very fortunate that I have the opportunity to work as an Emergency Medicine physician, and I am grateful that I get to work with and teach residents during my journey. Every shift is a new adventure that I get to have alongside my colleagues. Saint Agnes is where we have the privilege of caring for the people that need help the most.

Travis Helm, St. Agnes Emergency Room

Graduate of Keck School of Medicine of USC

Emergency Medicine