Population-based health nursing interventions have become critical in the modern health sector because of numerous challenges facing nurses and the overall public health sector. Public health has become complex and ever-changing because of the changing needs of patient populations across the globe. Population-based health nursing interventions help to meet these changing healthcare needs and demands through focusing on the specific healthcare concerns and characteristics of a population. This paper provides a population-based health nursing framework for the health needs and characteristics of a suburban community.
Program Evaluation Model and Health Promotion Theory
The proposed community project seeks to address the healthcare needs and characteristics of a suburban community. In this regard, the researcher will employ a suitable program evaluation model and health promotion theory for assessment of the community’s healthcare needs. The program evaluation model that will be used for assessment of the community’s health needs is Community Health Assessment and Group Evaluation (CHANGE) model. This model is a data-collection and planning tool that is utilized to gain knowledge regarding a community’s health needs and develop suitable measures for enhancing the health and wellbeing of the community (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010). This model is suitable for this community project since it provides a framework for obtaining and organizing data on community assets and areas for improvement. The insights obtained from this process is used to develop a Community Action Plan that prioritizes key action areas.
The health promotion theory for this proposed community project is the Health Belief Model (HBM), which is commonly used to guide disease prevention and health promotion programs. This theoretical model provides a framework for analysis, explanation, and predicting individual changes in health behaviors (Raingruber, 2014). It is based on the idea that changes in health behaviors is critical toward health...
For this community, HBM is an appropriate theoretical model since the current healthcare needs of the population are largely influenced by their beliefs.
Analysis of the Surveyed Community and its Health Needs
The proposed community project will be carried out in Elmwood Park, West Cook County in Chicago. This region comprises of a large white and Italian population with higher median incomes as compared to the other populations in West Suburban Cook. A significant portion of this population are individuals aged 65 years and more. Based on a recent survey, individuals in this community are at high risks of mental health problems. Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health issues facing populations in this community. Additionally, substance abuse is also a major health concern among public health professionals in this community.
Since the community is at high risks of mental health problems, a health improvement program is essential toward addressing the health needs of this population. Based on CHANGE model and Health Belief Model, the methodology of the health improvement program that will be used to address this problem will incorporate five major action points as shown in Table 1. The first step will involve collecting information through a health needs assessment, which focuses on determining vulnerable populations in the community. This will be followed by disseminating the consequences of the health issues relating to risky behaviors. The third step will involve communicating to the target population on necessary steps to address the problem. The next step will entail providing help in determining and lessening obstacles to action. Finally, support will be provided to community members on self-efficacy and desired behavior changes.
Advanced practice nurses who work in the community would need to partner with healthcare policy makers to enact policies that promote healthy behaviors, especially those relating to substance abuse. Enactment of such policies is critical…
