Healthcare of Vulnerable Populations: Through the Lens of Halldorsdottir’s Theory

Abstract

This paper explores caring within the context of healthcare access in vulnerable populations. Specifically, it connects how underserved status heightens an individual’s vulnerability to poor health. With the increase of disparities and inequalities that exist in the healthcare delivery system, implementation of caring and caring theory are examined as a plausible means to ameliorate the impact of inadequate healthcare coverage. Halldorsdottir’s (1996) theory of caring and uncaring encounters, within nursing and healthcare, from the patient’s perspective frames the discussion.