Competencies
- Describe the foundations of public and community health nursing.
- Analyze the influence of cultural, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors on public health.
- Evaluate the impact of local, state, and national policy on public health.
- Design multidimensional strategies of care considering the health determinants of vulnerable populations.
- Facilitate public health nursing care through collaboration with resource partners, including dissemination of relevant information.
- Analyze communicable diseases and their potential impact on public health.
Scenario
A public health colleague has approached you about being a consultant to work with a community group to help guide them through the action planning process. She has asked you to prepare a step-by-step guide on how to develop an action plan for the community group.The guiding document you create will be used to provide an overview of the process for developing a community action plan and will be used during an upcoming community meeting with interested consumers, local community members, and public health officials.
Instructions
Prepare a guiding document for the development of an action plan that:
- Details the steps in developing an action plan for the community, with comprehensive detail(s) on each step.
- Explains the key components of the action plan, including components needed to address the cultural, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors in the community.
- Describes how an action plan could improve the health outcomes of the community, with comprehensive example(s).
- Discusses your role as a public and community health nurse in the action planning process, including:
- Your role in identifying health determinants of the vulnerable populations in the community.
- Your role in assessing the potential impact of communicable diseases on the health of the community.
- Suggests possible stakeholders to improve collaboration in the community, including policy-influencers, representatives of the different cultural and population groups affected, and social service and healthcare partners.
- Designs the implementation process for the action plan with suggested goals for each phase of implementation, including:
- Communication and dissemination of information to the community.
- Development of multidimensional strategies of care for the community.
- Provides stated ideas with professional language and attribution for credible sources with correct APA citation, spelling, and grammar in the guiding document.
Resource Websites
- Community Health Assessments & Health Improvement Plans
- School Database
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Developing an action plan is essential for community health nursing. It requires collaboration among various stakeholders to identify and address the factors affecting health outcomes. This guiding document provides comprehensive details on the steps involved in action planning, key components of the action plan, and the implementation process for the plan. Additionally, the document elaborates on the role of public and community health nursing in the action planning process and suggestions for improving collaboration among stakeholders.
Answer:
Steps in Developing an Action Plan:
1. Identify the problem: Identify the problem, its causes, and the community affected by the problem.
2. Gathering information: Collect data on the problem, including cultural, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors affecting the community.
3. Develop goals and objectives: Develop achievable goals and objectives that address the identified problem.
4. Identify stakeholders: Identify stakeholders who will participate in the action planning process.
5. Develop strategies: Develop multidimensional strategies that address the problem’s different aspects, including cultural, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors affecting the community.
6. Develop a plan of action: Develop a detailed plan of action, including timelines, responsible parties, and necessary resources
7. Implementation: Implement the plan while monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments.
8. Evaluate outcomes: Evaluate the outcomes of the plan and consider the effects of the plan on the community’s health status.
Key Components of the Action Plan:
The key components of the action plan should include community engagement, appropriate funding, a needs assessment, achievable goals and objectives, evidence-based interventions, policy considerations, an implementation plan, evaluation criteria, and sustainability plans. Furthermore, it is essential to consider cultural, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors that may affect the community’s health.
Impact of Action Plan on Community Health Outcomes:
An action plan can improve community health outcomes by addressing the root causes and behavioral factors of health problems. It can improve preventative measures, enhance access to healthcare services, and promote community engagement in health promotion efforts. For example, a community action plan may involve promoting a healthy lifestyle, organizing regular health screenings, and providing education to the community on healthy living practices.
Role of Public and Community Health Nursing in the Action Planning Process:
In the action planning process, public and community health nurses play a significant role in identifying the health determinants of vulnerable populations in the community. They assess the potential impact of communicable diseases on the community’s health, educate the community on preventative measures, and collaborate with various stakeholders, including social service and healthcare partners. By participating in the action planning process, public and community health nursing can lead to the implementation of evidence-based interventions that positively impact community health outcomes.
Stakeholders to Improve Collaboration in the Community:
Stakeholders that could improve collaboration in the community include policy-influencers, representatives of different cultural and population groups affected, and social service and healthcare partners. These stakeholders can provide valuable insights into community health issues and contribute to the development of a more effective action plan.
Implementation Process for the Action Plan:
The implementation process for the action plan involves communication and dissemination of information to the community, development of multidimensional strategies of care for the community, monitoring progress, and making necessary adjustments. Additionally, goals should be set for each phase of implementation, and the responsible parties and necessary resources should be identified. The implementation process should be sustainable and appropriately evaluated to ensure successful outcomes.
Conclusion:
Developing an action plan is an essential step towards addressing community health issues. It requires multidimensional strategies and collaboration among various stakeholders to improve community engagement and positively impact community health outcomes. Public and community health nursing plays a vital role in the action planning process, identifying the determinants of vulnerable populations and implementing evidence-based interventions to promote healthy living practices.
