Concepts of health: implications for public health work

This article explores the health concepts of community health care (CHC) nurses in relation to their potential roles as public health workers. On examining Ewen's (1998) study of CHC nurses' role perceptions, it is evident that an individualized, person-centred, holistic approach to care continues to dominate practice. The public health role within CHC nursing remains underdeveloped and is equated with primary prevention with the well population. A 'community-as-foreground' model is proposed as a useful way of redefining CHC nursing practice to incorporate public health. The discussion revolves around the need for a broader view of health to include a political and social dimension, and considers the role of education and practice in achieving this.