An innovative model for conducting a participatory community health assessment

Understanding a community's perceived health care needs is essential to the promotion of community health. The purpose of this article is to review various methodologies used to assess community health care needs, and then provide a case example of a transcultural exploration of perceived health care needs of the residents of Utila, Honduras. This study presents a template for using unique assessment tools to empower communities to identify their health care needs. Implications for future transcultural community nursing studies are discussed.     

An innovative community based nurse led model for perinatal mental health

Perinatal mental illness is common with significant associated maternal and infant morbidity and health related costs (Austin, Reilly & Sullivan, 2012; Deloitte Access Economics, 2012; Leach, Poyser, & Fairweather- Schmidt, 2017). In Queensland there are gaps in service provision for specialised assessment and treatment and the majority of perinatal mental health problems are managed in primary care (Queensland Mental Health Commission, 2014). However, there are mixed treatment experiences     

Treating depression in primary care: An innovative role for mental health nurses

Late-life depression is common in primary care. However, because of barriers such as stigma and the assumption that depression in older adults is a normal part of aging, it is often underrecognized and undertreated. Further, most primary care providers do not have the time or resources to provide adequate follow-up depression care. By integrating a depression clinical specialist into the primary care setting, many of these barriers to effective treatment can be addressed. In this paper, a collaborative, stepped care treatment program with registered nurses practicing as depression clinical specialists is described. Additionally, three case reports illustrate the model. This intervention program offers a unique opportunity for mental health nurses to practice collaboratively in the primary care setting and to provide much needed care to an underserved population. (J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc [2002]. 8, 159-67.)     

Implementing a teenage health service in primary care

The health of teenagers is currently a priority of the NHS, with many schemes and projects being developed. There are documented difficulties for teenagers in accessing health care, especially within general practice. This article describes the development and evaluation of a tailor-made clinic in the primary care setting.     

An innovative model for nursing scholarship

Ernest Boyer made a significant contribution to the manner in which scholarship is envisioned by faculty with his 1990 publication, Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate. The National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) incorporated Boyer's scholarship principles into its 2002 accreditation criteria for nursing education programs. This article describes a model of scholarship developed by nursing faculty practicing in an undergraduate setting in a non-research-intensive institution. The model stems from their collegial work on defining scholarship in a way that is both professionally and personally satisfying. In addition, the model is congruent with the NLNAC's vision regarding nursing faculty scholarship. The model, called "Pillars of Scholarship," incorporates Boyer's four scholarship entities of discovery, application, integration, and teaching.     

Community perspective on a model to reduce teenage pregnancy

DESIGN: Qualitative methodology was used to validate elements of an educational career youth developmental model (ECYDM) to reduce teenage pregnancy among African American teens in two inner city urban communities. The specific aims of the study were to gain understanding of the factors contributing to teenage pregnancy and to identify a pregnancy prevention programme relevant to the needs of African American youth. METHODS: Data were collected from a convenience purposive sample of 43 African American teens and adults. Teen participants included males and non-pregnant, pregnant, and parent females. Adult participants included parents, school staff, and community clergies. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, structured individual and focus group interviews. Approval from the Institutional Review Board was obtained before conducting the study. FINDINGS: Findings supported elements of the ECYDM as a pregnancy prevention programme for African American teens in inner city urban communities. Participants identified an educational-career motivational programme that utilizes mentoring to teach, counsel, and provide information to improve youths' health, education, career, and social outcomes as the pregnancy prevention programme for youth in urban communities. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have important implications for future programme design and research. Teenage pregnancy must be addressed within the context of the individual, family, and community. Community partnership and collaboration of resources is necessary to reduce teenage pregnancy. Educational-career programmes are needed to provide information and knowledge to young men and women to make sound informed decisions. Continued qualitative research is also needed to gain understanding of pregnancy prevention programmes.     

Achieve cost benefits with innovative care management

Progressive care units (PCUs) are fast emerging to help relieve numerous demands on the health care industry. Complete this systematic development process to ensure a cost-effective startup PCU.     

Home-based chronic care. An expanded integrative model for home health professionals

The Chronic Care Model (CCM) developed by is an influential and accepted guide for the care of patients with chronic disease. Wagner acknowledges a current healthcare focus on acute care needs that often circumvents chronic care coordination. He identifies the need for a "division of labor" to assist the primary care physician with this neglected function. This article posits that the role of chronic care coordination assistance and disease management fits within the purview of home healthcare and should be central to home health chronic care delivery. An expanded Home-Based Chronic Care Model (HBCCM) is described that builds on Wagner's model and integrates salient theories from fields beyond medicine. The expanded model maximizes the potential for disease self-management success and is intended to provide a foundation for home health's integral role in chronic disease management.     

An innovative placement in mental health for baccalaureate nursing students

To summarize the whole experience, I will simply say that the problem of finding a clinical placement in mental health was successfully resolved. Drawing on past experience, fitting together the goals of our nursing program with an unmet health care need in the community, developing a plan, negotiating for an opportunity to implement the plan and evaluating the effectiveness of that plan have all taken place. The outcome was positive for all involved. Nursing students in our program will continue to have an experience in Adult Foster Care Homes because we all grew from the experience. As a result of this experience I can say that a clinical placement in Adult Foster Care Homes provides not only service to the community, but also a valuable learning experience for baccalaureate nursing students. My students left their experience with an increased awareness of the multiple health needs of the chronically mentally ill. And more importantly, they left the experience with increased skills toward meeting the health care needs of that population. This awareness and skill will be invaluable as they continue to work with clients in all community and institutional settings.