Theoretical Model/Framework Problem: Some Members Of The Com
Theoretical Model/Framework Problem: Some members of the community, people with disabilities who use wheelchairs, can’t use transportation because there is no bus station within 1 mile. When interviewed, they say that because of that they cannot keep their doctors' appointments. It leads to exacerbations of chronic diseases and frequent hospitalizations. I chose the theory of Community Caring for Public Health Nursing (CCPHN) as framework for my project. The key goals of Community Caring for Public Health Nursing (CCPHN): Enhance Community Health: Improve the overall health status of communities by addressing social determinants of health and promoting access to care.
This post highlights a significant public health challenge: individuals with disabilities, particularly wheelchair users, facing transportation barriers that hinder access to essential healthcare services. The adoption of the Community Caring for Public Health Nursing (CCPHN) framework offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to addressing these issues. CCPHN emphasizes the importance of promoting health equity, fostering community engagement, and advocating for policy change, all of which are critical in ensuring marginalized groups receive appropriate care and support.
In utilizing CCPHN for this project, the first step involves conducting thorough needs assessments within the community to identify specific barriers faced by individuals with mobility challenges. This process ensures that interventions are tailored and culturally appropriate. Engaging community members throughout helps empower those impacted by transportation deficiencies, fostering ownership and sustainable solutions. Advocacy plays a pivotal role, with nurses promoting accessible transportation options such as paratransit services or shuttle programs, which are proven to improve healthcare access for persons with disabilities.
Education is another cornerstone of CCPHN, where nurses can inform individuals about existing transportation resources, including ride-sharing options or volunteer driver networks. Coordinating care through case managers or social workers further enhances service delivery, ensuring appointments are scheduled and transportation is arranged efficiently. Community partnerships with local organizations and government agencies can facilitate the development of comprehensive, accessible transportation infrastructure. These combined efforts enhance community health by reducing disparities and promoting social justice.
Operating in varied settings such as community health centers, home health care, and public health departments, community nurses are well-positioned to implement these interventions effectively. They can conduct home visits, provide virtual education, and even organize mobile clinics to reach those with limited mobility, thereby bridging the gap between healthcare needs and access. Ensuring informed consent and involving caregivers adhere to ethical standards and respect client autonomy.
Overall, employing CCPHN as a guiding framework empowers community nurses to address transportation barriers comprehensively. By integrating assessment, advocacy, education, and partnership-building, this model fosters equitable healthcare access, reduces hospitalizations, and enhances the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Such holistic, community-driven strategies are vital in creating resilient, inclusive healthcare systems.
References
- Iwamoto, S. (2023). Developing a Theory of Community Caring for Public Health Nursing. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 11(3), 349.
- St. Catherine University. (2021). What is a Community Health Nurse?
- Crigler, A. (2018). Public Health Nursing: Population-Centered Health Care in the Community. Elsevier.
- Shiloh, S. L., & Heller, P. (2017). Transportation Needs and Barriers for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities. Journal of Transport & Health, 6, 6-12.
- Williams, N. J., & Wilkinson, T. (2020). Community-Based Interventions to Improve Access to Healthcare for Vulnerable Populations. Nursing Outlook, 68(3), 218-226.
- World Health Organization. (2010). Building inclusive societies: service delivery, gender and the environment. WHO Publications.
- Rumana, C., & Walker, J. (2019). Addressing Transportation Barriers in Healthcare Access for People with Disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 12(4), 621-627.
- American Public Health Association. (2019). Promoting Health Equity through Community Engagement. APHA Policy Statement.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Social Determinants of Health. CDC Resources.
- Martin, L. G., & Kaye, H. S. (2016). Transportation as a Barrier to Care among Older Adults. Journal of Aging & Social Policy, 28(4), 299-317.