Discussion Question: This Week's Discussion Post Is On Ident ✓ Solved

Discussion Questionthis Weeks Discussion Post Is On Identification O

Discussion Question: This week’s discussion post is on identification of a community health assessment model. Be sure to click the link to review the learning materials to see what an assessment model looks like. Address the questions that are listed in the discussion area of the classroom. Identify a Community Health Assessment Model. (This document from the CDC lists commonly used community assessment models: ) What are some benefits of using a specific model to assess a community? What agencies should be included with the assessment? What is a reasonable time frame in which to complete a community wide assessment? What is the role of the public nurse in implementation of the chosen model? Your initial posting should be at least 400 words in length and utilize at least one scholarly source other than the textbook.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Community health assessments (CHAs) are vital tools for informing public health initiatives and policies. Choosing an appropriate assessment model ensures comprehensive, systematic, and effective evaluation of community health needs. This paper identifies a specific community health assessment model, discusses its benefits, identifies key agencies involved, estimates a reasonable timeframe for completion, and explores the role of public health nurses in implementing the model.

Identifying a Community Health Assessment Model

One widely recognized community health assessment model is the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) model developed by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) (NACCHO, 2012). The MAPP framework emphasizes community engagement, strategic planning, and partnership development, making it an excellent choice for comprehensive community health evaluation and planning.

Benefits of Using a Specific Community Health Assessment Model

Utilizing a specific assessment model such as MAPP offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a structured approach that guides the assessment process from data collection to community engagement and strategic planning, ensuring consistency and thoroughness (Brach et al., 2019). Secondly, the model emphasizes active collaboration among stakeholders, including community members and local agencies, fostering shared ownership of health priorities and actions. Thirdly, a formal model ensures that all relevant health determinants are considered, including social, economic, environmental, and behavioral factors, resulting in a holistic understanding of community health (Fottrell et al., 2014).

Agencies to Be Included in the Assessment

Effective community assessments require the involvement of multiple agencies. Primary agencies include local public health departments, healthcare providers, schools, social service organizations, law enforcement, environmental agencies, and non-profit organizations. Collaboration with these agencies helps gather comprehensive data, facilitate resource sharing, and foster coordinated health interventions. Engaging community-based organizations is especially important for capturing the social determinants of health and ensuring culturally appropriate strategies (Gebbie et al., 2014).

Time Frame for Completing a Community-Wide Assessment

A reasonable time frame to complete a community-wide assessment typically ranges from six months to one year (Rodriguez et al., 2017). This duration allows for thorough data collection, stakeholder engagement, community feedback, and analysis of findings. Rushing the process can lead to incomplete or superficial assessments, whereas a well-planned timeline ensures meaningful community participation and accurate data interpretation.

The Role of Public Nurses in Implementation

Public health nurses (PHNs) play a pivotal role in the implementation of community assessment models. Their responsibilities include facilitating stakeholder engagement, collecting and analyzing health data, advocating for community needs, and coordinating intervention strategies (Koh et al., 2010). PHNs serve as liaisons between the community and health agencies, ensuring that the assessment reflects community priorities and that subsequent interventions are culturally sensitive, sustainable, and effective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting a structured community health assessment model like MAPP enhances the assessment process by promoting systematic data gathering, stakeholder collaboration, and strategic planning. Engaging diverse agencies broadens the scope of the assessment, and a timeline of six months to a year is generally adequate for thorough evaluation. Public health nurses are integral to facilitation, ensuring the assessment's success through community engagement, data analysis, and advocacy. Ultimately, a well-executed community health assessment lays the foundation for targeted, impactful health interventions that improve community well-being.

References

• Brach, C., et al. (2019). Community health assessment frameworks: A comprehensive review. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 25(2), 140-147.
• Fottrell, E., et al. (2014). Community-based assessment approaches: Frameworks and models. Global Health Action, 7, 245-251.
• Gebbie, K., et al. (2014). Partners in community health assessment: A collaborative approach. American Journal of Public Health, 104(S3), S3-S5.
• Koh, H. K., et al. (2010). Public health practice and the role of nurses. American Journal of Public Health, 100(9), 1664-1670.
• NACCHO. (2012). Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP). https://www.manatt.com/insights/news/2012/developing-plans-with-community-engagement.
• Rodriguez, H. P., et al. (2017). Community health assessment processes: Best practices and challenges. Journal of Community Health, 42(4), 688-696.