WGU D568 TASK 3: CLOSING
HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES |
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED | 2026
UPDATE
D568- Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health
Task 3: Closing Healthcare Disparities
Shelysa Powell
ID# 012819283
13 | 08 | 2026
A. Describe two unique or innovative elements involved in developing the community-
based strategy in the scenario.
1. Race-Demographic Data Tracking and Race-Specific Feedback to Providers in Real Time
An innovative component of the GHDC's strategy was to provide race-specific feedback to
providers based on the tracking of cancer treatment data by race in real time. The GHDC did not
assume that all patients received equal care; instead, they measured it. (Eng et al., 2022).
2. Patient Advocacy by Nurse Navigators
The second unique component was the use of nurse navigators as patient advocates. The
navigator provided an additional layer of communication for patients regarding their care and
assisted with addressing barriers to treatment completion. (Eng et al., 2022).
A1. Explain why the two unique or innovative elements from part A are important.
Data tracking by race is important because it adds transparency and accountability to the
healthcare system. Visible disparities cannot be ignored. Providers will be able to identify areas
of inequity and make corrections. Without data, structural racism will remain hidden in the day-
to-day operations of the healthcare system.
Nurse Navigators are important because they help to address barriers on the interpersonal level.
Many patients, particularly those experiencing systemic racism, will have issues with mistrust,
, confusion, and/or lack of support during treatment. The nurse navigator helps the patient stay
engaged in their care and therefore impacts the completion of treatment positively. Additionally,
the use of nurse navigators shifts the healthcare system from a passive system to one that is
proactive in supporting patients.
Both components of this strategy address both the structural and interpersonal levels of inequity.
HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES |
ACCURATE AND VERIFIED | 2026
UPDATE
D568- Health Equity and Social Determinants of Health
Task 3: Closing Healthcare Disparities
Shelysa Powell
ID# 012819283
13 | 08 | 2026
A. Describe two unique or innovative elements involved in developing the community-
based strategy in the scenario.
1. Race-Demographic Data Tracking and Race-Specific Feedback to Providers in Real Time
An innovative component of the GHDC's strategy was to provide race-specific feedback to
providers based on the tracking of cancer treatment data by race in real time. The GHDC did not
assume that all patients received equal care; instead, they measured it. (Eng et al., 2022).
2. Patient Advocacy by Nurse Navigators
The second unique component was the use of nurse navigators as patient advocates. The
navigator provided an additional layer of communication for patients regarding their care and
assisted with addressing barriers to treatment completion. (Eng et al., 2022).
A1. Explain why the two unique or innovative elements from part A are important.
Data tracking by race is important because it adds transparency and accountability to the
healthcare system. Visible disparities cannot be ignored. Providers will be able to identify areas
of inequity and make corrections. Without data, structural racism will remain hidden in the day-
to-day operations of the healthcare system.
Nurse Navigators are important because they help to address barriers on the interpersonal level.
Many patients, particularly those experiencing systemic racism, will have issues with mistrust,
, confusion, and/or lack of support during treatment. The nurse navigator helps the patient stay
engaged in their care and therefore impacts the completion of treatment positively. Additionally,
the use of nurse navigators shifts the healthcare system from a passive system to one that is
proactive in supporting patients.
Both components of this strategy address both the structural and interpersonal levels of inequity.
