Step 1: Reflect on Research as a Recursive or Reiterative Process

In my writing process, I have been greatly influenced by researching the problem and proposed solution repeatedly. In the first place, I explored how prevalent and severe was the problem which focused on insufficient access to quality physicians among Medi-Cal beneficiaries. It was through this initial research that I got to know the extent and implications of the matter thus guiding me on how to get started with solving it.

While progressing, I got stuck in identifying the optimal mode of alternative solutions plus their drawbacks. For this reason, extensive research had to be done coupled with critical analysis in order to balance between attainability, sustainability and effectiveness. By going through this iteration, I learnt how important it is to consider different perspectives and weigh up pros and cons for each conceivable solution.

Henceforth, by combining scholarly materials such as research about reimbursement rates or administrative barriers in healthcare systems from other studies; I narrowed down my best option after combing out many information sources. A promising approach for surmounting geographic barriers while trying to improve access through telehealth services would be integration of tele-health services in health systems. This iterative process enabled me to develop a well-substantiated claim founded on empirical evidence.

It was a challenge to me as I had to make sure that there is coherence and consistency in the argument. It involved revisiting each step of the research process, focusing on how to link evidence with the proposed solution and addressing potential counterarguments effectively. In so doing, this iterative approach has helped me refine my argument and improve its persuasiveness.

Flexibility and adaptability in writing are critical as I have learned through this research experience. This iterative process of returning to the argument revised on the basis of further insight and new evidence enabled me to put together a more robust proposal. These skills in critical analysis, information synthesis, and persuasive writing can be used elsewhere in other writing such that when approaching complex issues one can be confident and thorough.

Step 2: Conduct Supplementary Research

Areas Related to Proposed Solution and Justifying Reasons:

1. Enhanced Reimbursement Rates: To solidify my reasons for increasing reimbursement rates I will have to look further into these aspects through additional information gathering regarding financial burden on healthcare providers due to low reimbursement rates and patient outcomes. Such source would serve well as an example supporting this aspect of the discussion:

Jones, D. R., & Vargo, M. (2019). The Effect of Medicaid Reimbursement Rates on Access to Dental Care. Health Services Research, 54(4), 853-859. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13213

2. Telehealth Efficacy: To strengthen my proposition of telemedicine, I shall explore studies documenting the efficacy of this methodology for increasing the accessibility of medical care, especially for the underprivileged population. A pertinent source to enhance this aspect of the argument is:A pertinent source to enhance this aspect of the argument is:

Bashshur, R. L., Howell, J. D., Krupinski, E. A., Harms, K. M., & Bashshur, N. (2016). The Empirical Foundations of Telemedicine Interventions in Primary Care. Telemedicine and e-Health, 22(5), 342-375. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2015.0196

Responding to Counter Arguments:

1. Financial Feasibility: To deal with the financial viability of expected measures, I will gather data from the cost-benefit analysis studies and implementable models from other states which have already tried and tested these reforms. A relevant source to refute this counterargument is:

MacTaggart, P., & Buck, J. A. (2019). Medicaid's Return on Investment: What Will We Do with This Information? Psychiatric Services, 70(3), 186-187. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800454

2. Provider Resistance: To overcome minor challenges like provider resistance to administrative change, I would give case studies of existing healthcare systems that have successfully gone through with reforms along with testimonials from providers that have benefited from streamline processes. A pertinent source to refute this counterargument is:

Green, L. A., Seifert, C. M., Robison, J., & Seifert, R. W. (2006). Primary Care Residency Training: Can It Adapt to New Paradigms? American Journal of Medicine, 119(9), 708-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.016

References:

Jones, D. R., & Vargo, M. (2019). The Effect of Medicaid Reimbursement Rates on Access to Dental Care. Health Services Research, 54(4), 853-859. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13213

Bashshur, R. L., Howell, J. D., Krupinski, E. A., Harms, K. M., & Bashshur, N. (2016). The Empirical Foundations of Telemedicine Interventions in Primary Care. Telemedicine and e-Health, 22(5), 342-375. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2015.0196

MacTaggart, P., & Buck, J. A. (2019). Medicaid's Return on Investment: What Will We Do with This Information? Psychiatric Services, 70(3), 186-187. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800454

Green, L. A., Seifert, C. M., Robison, J., & Seifert, R. W. (2006). Primary Care Residency Training: Can It Adapt to New Paradigms? American Journal of Medicine, 119(9), 708-714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.016

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• Alternative solutions and drawbacks: 2
• Best Solution: Argument for the best solution to the problem, supported with 2-3 reasons and ample evidence throughout
• Sources: A minimum of 6 secondary sources and one primary source