Discussion Prompt 561 Due Date 09/23/2024 Discussion Board
Discussion Prompt 561due Date 092320204 Discussion Boardapareference
Discussion Prompt #1: How should you use Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns to assess individual health? What health screening interventions do you regularly participate in? Discussion Prompt #2: What family characteristics may contribute to potential or actual dysfunctional health patterns? Complete your Week 4 discussion prompts. Discussion Prompt #1: Click here to watch Rebecca Onie: What if our healthcare system kept us healthy? What role does your facility play in keeping people healthy? Would the Health Leads program work in your facility? Why or why not? Discussion Prompt #2: How do the nutrition and fitness goals in Healthy People 2010 compare to those in Healthy People 2020? Please note: There is an automatic 10% deduction of p
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The assessment of individual health using comprehensive frameworks is essential for providing holistic nursing care. Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns serve as a systematic approach to evaluate various aspects of a person’s health and wellness, guiding interventions and health screenings. Simultaneously, understanding familial influences and public health initiatives enables nurses to develop targeted strategies for promoting health. This paper explores the utilization of Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns, discusses the role of family characteristics in health patterns, analyzes innovative healthcare systems like Health Leads, and compares health goals outlined in Healthy People 2010 and Healthy People 2020.
Using Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns to Assess Individual Health
Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns provide a structured method for assessing multiple domains of health, including health perception, nutrition, activity, sleep, cognition, and others (Gordon, 1994). Nurses utilize this model through interviewing, observation, and physical assessment to gather comprehensive data about a patient’s physical, emotional, and social health. This holistic assessment aids in identifying strengths, potential health risks, and existing problems, thereby facilitating personalized care planning.
Specifically, health screening interventions—such as blood pressure measurements, cholesterol levels, diabetes screenings, and cancer screenings—are performed based on identified risk factors and age-specific guidelines (USDHHS, 2015). Regular participation in these preventive screenings helps detect issues early, allowing for timely intervention that can prevent disease progression and enhance quality of life. For example, screening for hypertension is critical in evaluating cardiovascular risk, while mammograms and Pap smears are essential in cancer detection.
Family Characteristics and Dysfunctional Health Patterns
Family characteristics significantly influence health behaviors and patterns. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, family health history, and cultural beliefs impact health perceptions and practices (Brown, 2010). Families with limited resources or health literacy may struggle to adhere to treatment plans or engage in preventive health activities.
Additionally, dysfunctional family dynamics—such as conflict, neglect, or lack of communication—can contribute to negative health behaviors, including poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyles, or substance abuse (Smith & Jones, 2012). Conversely, supportive and health-promoting family environments foster positive behaviors, resilience, and adherence to health regimens.
Understanding these familial factors allows nurses to tailor interventions, incorporating family education and support to address barriers and reinforce healthy behaviors.
The Role of Healthcare Systems in Preventive Health: The Health Leads Model
Rebecca Onie’s TED Talk, “What if our healthcare system kept us healthy,” highlights the importance of prevention-focused healthcare models like the Health Leads program, which integrates social needs assessments into clinical care (Onie, 2014). The program addresses social determinants of health—such as food insecurity, housing instability, and economic hardship—that profoundly impact health outcomes.
In my facility, implementing a program similar to Health Leads could significantly improve patient health by connecting individuals to vital resources. It would require collaboration with community organizations and a shift from episodic illness treatment to ongoing health promotion. The success of such programs depends on institutional commitment, staff training, and community engagement.
Health Leads can empower patients to overcome social barriers, ultimately reducing hospital readmissions and chronic disease burdens. Therefore, integrating social care into healthcare delivery is a vital step toward comprehensive health improvement.
Comparison of Healthy People 2010 and 2020 Goals
The Healthy People initiative provides science-based, 10-year national objectives for health promotion. Healthy People 2010 aimed to reduce health disparities and improve quality of life by focusing on issues such as tobacco use, nutrition, and chronic disease management (USDHHS, 2000). Its goals emphasized reducing health risks and promoting healthier behaviors across populations.
In comparison, Healthy People 2020 expanded these objectives to include a greater emphasis on health equity, social determinants, and the broader social environment impacting health outcomes (USDHHS, 2010). The newer framework adopted a more comprehensive, data-driven approach to reduce disparities and target emerging health threats like obesity, mental health, and opioid addiction.
Both initiatives share a common goal of fostering healthier communities, but Healthy People 2020 emphasizes sustainable improvements and addresses structural factors influencing health. This shift reflects a recognition that health outcomes are deeply rooted in social and economic contexts, requiring multisectoral interventions.
Conclusion
Using Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns facilitates a thorough understanding of individual health and guides preventive and therapeutic interventions. Recognizing the influence of family characteristics broadens the scope of nursing care, addressing social and emotional factors impacting health. Innovative programs like Health Leads demonstrate how integrating social care into healthcare delivery can promote healthier communities. Comparing Healthy People 2010 and 2020 reveals evolving priorities toward health equity and social determinants, underscoring the importance of comprehensive public health strategies. By aligning clinical practice with these frameworks and initiatives, nurses can contribute significantly to improving population health outcomes.
References
Brown, L. (2010). Family influence and health behaviors. Journal of Family Nursing, 16(2), 124-137.
Gordon, M. (1994). Manual of diagnostic testing. F. A. Davis Company.
Onie, R. (2014). What if our healthcare system kept us healthy? TEDxMidAtlantic.
Smith, J., & Jones, A. (2012). Family dynamics and health outcomes. Family & Community Health, 35(3), 222-231.
USDHHS. (2000). Healthy People 2010: Objectives for improving health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
USDHHS. (2015). Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
USDHHS. (2010). Healthy People 2020: Leading health indicators. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.