NUM3511 - Community Health Care in Nursing and Midwifery Practice

Description of the Health Promotion Project

The elderly population in Western Australia, like many other aging populations worldwide, is at an increased risk for respiratory ailments (Teasdale & Panegyres, 2023). Therefore, this workshop fills a critical gap in healthcare. Following the Ottawa Charter, this program equips participants with knowledge and abilities about respiratory health. Research repeatedly shows that health education can dramatically improve self-efficacy and self-care practices in older persons (Sun et al., 2021). For instance, research by Hu et al. (2022) revealed that older persons who received education on respiratory health showed better community health care self-management of chronic respiratory illnesses, resulting in better health outcomes, lower healthcare costs, and a higher quality of life. The project also perfectly complements the Ottawa Charter's objective of fostering supportive environments. Working with healthcare facilities and neighborhood services guarantees elders access to knowledge, tools, and support (World Health Organisation, 2023). For instance, the National Strategic Action Plan for Lung Conditions by the Australian Government Department of Health supports the creation of supportive environments like these and health education for lowering the number of older patients who must be admitted to the hospital for respiratory disorders (Australian Government, 2019).

Participation in the workshop by neighborhood councils and healthcare organisations further encourages community involvement and action. It has been demonstrated that community-based interventions successfully encourage healthier behaviours and outcomes among the elderly (Hong et al., 2022). A study by Middleton et al. (2023) found that community-based initiatives dramatically boosted physical activity and decreased the incidence of respiratory infections in older persons. Furthermore, this workshop adheres to the Ottawa Charter and health efforts in Western Australia, like the WA Country Health Service Strategy For Older People 2022–27. The framework emphasises resolving health inequities among various population groups, preventative health, and health literacy. This effort directly supports the aims of Western Australian health policy by educating seniors about respiratory health, advocating preventive measures, and attending to their health requirements (GWA, n.d).

The workshop's main goal will be promoting sustainability while improving the overall well-being of the elderly population in Western Australia. It hopes to contribute to the longer, healthier lives of the elderly population by educating them about the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases. As fewer seniors may need substantial medical care for respiratory disorders, this can lower the strain on the healthcare system. The program will equip the elderly with the information and abilities to prevent respiratory illnesses, such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, comprehending the value of vaccines, and spotting early indicators of respiratory issues. These actions will improve their quality of life and, over time, lower healthcare costs.

Health Issue

Australia's aging population is a significant population and health issue (GWA, n.d). The proportion of elderly people in the Western Australian population is steadily rising, significantly affecting the country's healthcare system. Western Australia's aging population is a well-known phenomenon. For instance, the number of adults 65 and older is anticipated to rise 3.5% yearly in rural WA, reaching 122,000 by 2030–31 (GWA, n.d). This shift in population towards older people triggers wide-ranging effects, particularly on health and healthcare. In Australia, respiratory infections are a common cause of death among the elderly. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), elderly Australians are likelier to have chronic respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (AIHW, 2023). These ailments account for a sizable share of the disease burden among the elderly. In Western Australia, age was found to be a significant predictor of the lifetime and point prevalence of a respiratory disorder other than asthma (lifetime respiratory condition: 45 to 64 years: 3.0%, 65 years and over: 6.6%, point respiratory condition: 45 to 64 years: 2.4%, 65 years and over: 5.4%) (GWA, 2019).

Additionally, respiratory problems in the elderly frequently result in hospitalisations, significantly reducing healthcare expenses (Zhang et al., 2022). According to Dairi (2022), in Australia, 70,951 COPD occurrences requiring hospital admission were required in 2019/2020 among those 65 and older. These hospital stays lead to a rise in healthcare costs and resource use. There are significant implications for the Australian healthcare system. The Department of Health of the Western Australian Government acknowledges the urgent requirement for policies that deal with the prevention and management of respiratory disorders in the aging population (GWA, 2022). The significance of health promotion, education, and preventative initiatives that focus on the elderly population is highlighted by this problem. Initiatives like this Health Education Workshop established for the elderly population in Western Australia, which emphasises respiratory illness prevention and management, are essential in response to these difficulties.

Interprofessional collaboration with key stakeholders

Several stakeholders will be involved in the following Health Education Workshop designed for the target elderly population in Western Australia, emphasising the prevention and management of respiratory disorders. Each member will play a specialised role to ensure the project's success. Naturally, the workshop's senior attendees, who have strong knowledge of respiratory health, will be its primary stakeholders. In addition, medical professionals such as respiratory therapists, nurses, and general practitioners will be enlisted to offer professional advice. Cooperation with neighbourhood healthcare facilities, community leaders, and the local government will be essential to finding appropriate locations and guaranteeing logistical support.

To give educational presentations and insights into the prevention and management of respiratory illnesses, the knowledge of respiratory professionals and educators will be crucial. Older participants will have family members and caregivers present to assist and encourage them during the course. Two to three high school students will be assigned to run the audiovisual equipment for the presentation, distribute brochures and flyers and display posters providing information to the target audience. Local printing services will be hired to create materials like flyers, posters and brochures for the event. Together, these arrangements will guarantee the smooth delivery of the workshop's content. Finally, having a healthcare coordinator, ideally a nurse or respiratory therapist, to supervise the project's implementation, monitor the workshop, and offer insightful advice will be highly beneficial to the project. The program will successfully inform and assist the aged community in Western Australia with the prevention and management of respiratory with this cooperative approach.

Given their established and efficient Department of Respiratory Medicine, collaborating with Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital as the primary partner represents a strategic choice. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to promote the Health Education Workshop tailored for the aged population (65 years and above) residing in Western Australia, focusing on respiratory illness prevention and management. The workshop can effectively target its intended audience by leveraging the hospital's infrastructure using routine patient interactions to spread awareness. The hospital's dedicated respiratory specialists and nurses will work closely alongside the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital to enhance outreach efforts, ensuring the workshop receives a comprehensive and effective promotion.

On the other hand, engagement with local primary and secondary schools will involve distributing informative flyers about the workshop, ensuring a wide-reaching impact. Funding for this pivotal project will primarily be sourced from the Western Australian State Government and the Ministry of Health, which play crucial roles in its success. Moreover, the initiative may explore collaborations with various government and non-governmental organisations, including universities, schools, and respiratory healthcare services specialising in respiratory health.

Objective 1: Increase awareness of respiratory illnesses among the elderly in the next 2 months

Develop educational materials tailored for the elderly population, including brochures and pamphlets. The increase in the distribution and consumption of educational materials was measured Host a series of interactive workshops at local community centres, senior living facilities, and online webinars to disseminate information. Pre- and post-workshop surveys were conducted to assess changes in knowledge and awareness levels among participants. Collaborate with local healthcare professionals and organisations to provide expert-led presentations. The number of workshop attendees was tracked and feedback was collected on the quality of the workshops.

Objective 2: Promote healthy lifestyle choices among the elderly in the next 3 months

Organize group exercise sessions specifically designed for the elderly to improve lung health. Participation and attendance in exercise sessions and nutrition classes were monitored. Provide nutritional counselling and cooking classes focusing on respiratory health. Data on dietary improvements and lifestyle changes was collected through follow-up surveys. Create a support network for the elderly to encourage each other to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The number of elderly who have joined and remained active in the support network was recorded

Objective 3: Enhance access to preventive healthcare services

Partner with local healthcare providers to organize free or low-cost health check-up camps for the elderly. The number of elderly individuals attending the health check-up camps. Facilitate transportation services for seniors who face mobility challenges. The utilization of transportation services was monitored Educate participants on the importance of regular check-ups and immunizations. Post-event surveys were conducted to gauge changes in the attitudes and behaviours of elderly participants regarding preventive healthcare.