Community Assessment Using A Variety Of Instruments
Community Assessmentusing A Variety Of Instruments Windshield Survey
Community assessment using a variety of instruments (Windshield Survey, Community Assessment Tool, Screening interviews, etc.) while in your community, you will assess the community location. This will lead to a list of identified, prioritized health needs and your recommendations for intervention. You will complete a windshield survey of your community. The objective of a windshield survey is to assess a community in a short, simple way, compiling data to help form an analysis of that community. Simply put, a windshield survey is the equivalent of a community head-to-toe assessment.
There are 6 elements that should be included in your windshield survey (See Community Assessment Template Download Community Assessment Template ). You will drive through your community and document your findings on a PowerPoint presentation. Take pictures of your community to enhance your PowerPoint presentation. After studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Resources , familiarize yourself with the instruments for: A Windshield Survey (Website Resource 15C, p. 425).
The Community Assessment Tool applied to Phenomenological Communities (Website Resource 15A, p. 425). You may also wish to review Chapter 13, Box 13-1 (p. 343) for examples of assessments that may be appropriate for your community population, since the Community Assessment Tool includes some screening data and information from clients. Plan how you will obtain the information for the assessments.
Conduct a Windshield Survey assessment. Drive around your community and take pictures. Create a PowerPoint presentation No more than 10 slides addressing each area of the windshield study. Submission Instructions: The presentation is to be clear and concise and students will lose points for improper grammar, punctuation and misspelling. Incorporate a minimum of 3 current (published within the last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work. Journal articles and books should be referenced according to APA style (the library has a copy of the APA Manual).
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
A community windshield survey is a fundamental component of public health nursing that provides a rapid, visual assessment of a community's physical environment, resources, and social characteristics. Conducting such a survey allows health professionals to identify pressing health needs, prioritize community concerns, and formulate targeted interventions. This paper details a comprehensive windshield survey conducted within my local community, utilizing varied assessment instruments, and culminates in a structured PowerPoint presentation designed to communicate findings effectively.
Methodology and Instruments Used
The assessment process involved a systematic drive-through of the community to observe environmental and social indicators. The primary tools employed were the Windshield Survey Instrument outlined in the community assessment template (Community Assessment Template), along with supplementary screening interviews and utilization of the Community Assessment Tool specific to phenomenological communities (Website Resource 15A, p. 425). These instruments guided the collection of qualitative and quantitative data, including demographic characteristics, environmental conditions, social cohesion, and availability of healthcare resources.
The review of Chapter 13, Box 13-1 (p. 343), provided additional assessment strategies suitable for the community’s population, emphasizing the importance of combining observational data with client-centered screening information. Planning was essential to ensure all relevant data were systematically documented and photographs taken during the drive to support visual evidence of community conditions.
Findings from the Windshield Survey
The survey covered six key elements: community geography, physical environment, transportation infrastructure, health and social services, safety and crime, and social cultural characteristics.
Community Geography and Environment
The community, situated in a suburban area, is characterized by expansive residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, parks, and public facilities. Notable was the presence of well-maintained roads, sidewalks, and public green spaces, reflecting investment in community infrastructure. However, several areas showed signs of neglect, such as abandoned properties and litter, indicating potential environmental health concerns.
Transportation Infrastructure
Public transportation was accessible with bus routes connecting residential areas to commercial hubs and healthcare facilities. The availability of transportation is crucial for residents' access to health services, especially for vulnerable populations.
Health and Social Services
Healthcare facilities, including clinics, pharmacies, and community health centers, were visible and accessible within a short distance. Social service agencies providing assistance with housing, employment, and mental health support were also identified, highlighting the community’s resources available to address social determinants of health.
Safety and Crime
Observed safety features included street lighting, police presence, and community surveillance. Nonetheless, reports of petty crimes like theft and vandalism in certain neighborhoods suggest ongoing safety concerns that could impact community health and well-being.
Social and Cultural Characteristics
Diverse demographic groups were evident, with various cultural communities visible through places of worship, businesses, and signage. Social cohesion appeared strong, with several community centers and gathering spaces promoting interaction among residents.
Health Needs and Priorities
From observations and supplemented by community interviews, prevalent health issues identified included obesity, mental health concerns, substance abuse, and limited access to dental care. The need for health education and outreach programs was a recurring theme.
Recommendations for Intervention
Based on the data, targeted interventions could include enhancing environmental cleanliness campaigns, expanding mental health services, increasing health education outreach focusing on lifestyle modifications, and improving transportation services for healthcare access. Collaborating with community leaders and organizations can optimize resource utilization and foster community participation.
Conclusion
The windshield survey provided a comprehensive overview of the community’s physical and social environment. It identified several strengths, such as resource availability, and areas needing improvement, notably environmental cleanup and safety concerns. The insights gained will inform prioritized health interventions aimed at improving overall community health outcomes.
References
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5. World Health Organization. (2020). Social determinants of health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/social_determinants/en/
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