Health Education Specialists’ Knowledge,Attitudes,and Perceptions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Abstract

The changing landscape of health care as a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) may provide new opportunities for health education specialists (HES). The purpose of this study was to survey HES in the United States on their knowledge and attitudes of the ACA and assess their perceptions of job growth under the law. A random sample of 220 (36% response rate) certified HES completed a 53-item cross sectional survey administered online through Qualtrics. Findings were compared to public opinion on health care reform. HES are highly favorable of the law (70%) compared to the general public (23%). A total of 85% of respondents were able to list a provision of the ACA, and most (81%) thought the ACA would be successful at increasing insured Americans. Over half (64.6%) believe job opportunities will increase. Those who viewed the law favorably were significantly more likely to score better on a knowledge scale related to the ACA. HES understand publicized provisions but are uncertain about common myths and specific provisions related to Title IV, “Prevention of Chronic Disease and Improving Public Health.” Directed and continuing education to HES regarding the ACA is warranted.

Keywords

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act health education specialist

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Aldana

S. G.

(2001). Financial impact of health promotion programs: A comprehensive review of the literature. American Journal of Health Promotion, 15, 296-320.

Bliss

(2013). Role of advocacy in health care reform: Literature review and call to act. American Journal of Health Studies, 28, 41-50.

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2011). Occupational employment statistics. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oes/2011/may/oes211091.htm

Cogan

J. A.

Jr. (2011). The Affordable Care Act’s preventive services mandate: Breaking down the barriers to nationwide access to preventive services. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 39, 355-365.

Dillman

Smyth

Christian

(2009). When more than one survey mode is needed: Internet, mail and mixed-mode surveys. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Doyle

E. I.

Caro

C. M.

Lysoby

Auld

M. E.

Smith

B. J.

Muenzen

P. M.

(2012). The National Health Educator Job Analysis 2010: Process and outcomes. Health Education & Behavior, 39, 695-708.

Goodman

Hanson

C. L.

Auld

Sherry

Strack

Mathis

(2013, April). Affordable Care Act: Opportunities and challenges for health education specialists (Issue Brief). Retrieved from http://www.sophe.org/Sophe/PDF/ACA-Opportunities-and-Challenges-for-Health-Educators-FINAL.pdf

Huebner

Agrawal

J. R.

Sehgal

A. R.

Jung

Hedgecock

Simon

S. R.

(2006). Universal health care and reform of the health care system: Views of medical students in the United States. Academic Medicine, 81, 721-727.

Huntoon

K. M.

McCluney

C. J.

Scannell

C. A.

Wiley

E. A.

Bruno

Andrews

Gorman

(2011). Health care reform and the next generation: United States medical student attitudes toward the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. PLoS One, 6(9), e23557. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0023557

10.

Institute for Healthcare Improvement. (2015). The IHI triple aim initiative: Better care for individuals, better health for populations, and lower per capita cost. Retrieved from http://www.ihi.org/offerings/Initiatives/TripleAim/Pages/default.aspx

11.

Kaiser Family Foundation. (2013). Kaiser health tracking poll: September 2013. Retrieved from http://kff.org/health-reform/poll-finding/kaiser-health-tracking-poll-september-2013/

12.

McKenzie

Seabert

(2009). A retrospective review of those who hold the certified health education specialist (CHES). American Journal of Health Studies, 24, 276-286.

13.

Mechanic

R. E.

(2011). Opportunities and challenges for episode-based payment. New England Journal of Medicine, 365, 777-779. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1105963

14.

National Commission for Health Education Credentialing. (2013). Responsibilities and competencies for health education specialists. Retrieved from http://www.nchec.org/assets/2251/areas_of_responsibilities_and_competencies.pdf

15.

National Institute for Health Care Management Foundation. (2011). Building a stronger evidence base for employee wellness programs. Retrieved from http://www.nihcm.org/images/stories/Wellness_FINAL_electonic_version.pdf

16.

State of Rhode Island Department of Health. (2014). Worksite wellness program. Retrieved from http://www.health.ri.gov/programs/worksitewellness/

17.

Stine

N. W.

Chokshi

D. A.

(2012). Opportunity in austerity: A common agenda for medicine and public health. New England Journal of Medicine, 366, 395-397. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1112543

18.

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2014). Read the law. Retrieved from http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/rights/law/