Nursing Social Determinants of Health - Assignment Answer

Introduction

Care for people of all ages, families, groups, and communities whether they are ill or not, and in whatever setting can be provided independently and in collaboration with other caregivers through nursing. Promotion of good health, illness prevention, and care of the sick, disabled, and dying are all included in nursing. Critical nursing tasks also include patient and health system administration, research, advocacy, fostering a safe environment, education, and involvement in formulating health policy (International Council of Nurses, 2023). The following case study will take the incidence of a nurse where the role and responsibilities will be described. It will focus on the social determinants of health and strategies to deliver quality care in primary health care services. In addition, the later section will provide insight into primary healthcare principles.

Social Determinants of Health

The current health outcomes of Richard are heavily influenced by several social determinants of health that have resulted in a complex and challenging situation for him. Firstly, the demise of his partner has affected him emotionally, resulting in an impact on his mental health and well-being. Emotions such as grief and trauma can lead to anxiety, depression and feeling of loneliness, giving rise to panic attacks experienced by Richard. The lack of a support system can worsen his situation by aggravating these emotions and leaving him with limited strategies for coping with his emotions (Peña-Vargas et al., 2021). The second important determinant is the situation related to Richard's housing. Him being forced to live in an old shed exposes him to external elements without the presence of basic facilities necessary to ensure the appropriate conditions for living. The factor of uncertainty associated with his housing situation increases his stress and vulnerability. Richard’s physical health is at risk due to the absence of a safe and stable place to live. In addition to this, the lack of security and privacy adds to his anxiety and instability (Patel et al., 2020).

The third crucial factor having a detrimental impact on Richard’s health is the lack of financial security due to his unemployment and the demise of his partner. These have led to the draining of his financial resources, hindering his ability to access necessary healthcare. In addition to this, his financial instability might also be stopping him from getting a better place to stay and fulfilling basic necessities such as proper nutrition (Strandh et al., 2014). The fourth factor playing a vital role in the deterioration of Richard's health is his irregular eating habits, and low appetite, which lead to malnutrition and a decline in his physical health. Moreover, Richard's decision to choose alcohol over healthier alternatives for coping would have ill effects and would augment his struggles with mental health and his overall well-being (Zavitsanou & Drigas, 2021). Lastly, isolation and social exclusion can also significantly impact his current situation. The absence of any family members to depend upon and few social connections can lead to a deep sense of detachment and loneliness. In addtion to this, it could become difficult for Richard to get access to suitable services, personnel or support group due to the lack of a proper support network (Huisman & van Tilburg, 2021).

Role as a Community Nurse in Richard’s Case

The primary objective that I would have as a community nurse would be to implement a person-centred approach to addressing the social determinants of health in Richard’s case and ensuring that Richard receives appropriate care and support. To begin with, I would work towards connecting with Richard on a therapeutic level and creating an unbiased and safe environment for him. He would be able to speak freely and without inhibition about his ideas and feelings (Giusti et al., 2020). Second, I would interact with social services, local housing authorities, and staff to address his housing problem. I would look into prospects for emergency refuge for Richard while also looking for more long-term housing options (Handley et al., 2014). Thirdly, it becomes my responsibility towards Richard to understand his grief associated with the death of his partner, as I am obligated to do as a nurse. This would entail giving him access to counselling or therapy sessions as well as mental health treatments.

This would help him deal with the loss and other accompanying depressive and anxious sensations that he has been going through. I would also introduce him to bereavement support groups, which are designed explicitly to offer emotional care and support to those going through bereavement (Raymond et al., 2017). Richard's poor appetite and recurring alcohol use would be my first priority after that. First, I would collaborate with a registered dietitian or a certified nutritionist to create a specialised meal plan for this. Richard's physical health would improve if he had access to nutritious meals that were also convenient (Andersen et al., 2018). Second, I would advise Richard to join counselling programs or support groups that address alcohol or drug addiction. Through this, he would be able to confront his frequent drinking and choose healthier coping tactics (Compton & Blacher, 2020).

Furthermore, it will also be essential for me to ensure that Richard engages in social activities with interest and enthusiasm. This would involve connecting with local clubs, groups or communities and would lead to the formation of a network, reducing Richard’s feelings of isolation and loneliness (Douglas et al., 2014). Lastly, to monitor his health and well-being of Richard, I would schedule follow-up appointments enabling me to make an assessment of his mental and physical health and promptly take care of any potential issues that might arise (Himmelfarb et al., 2016). In addition to this, to build a complete support system that takes care of all facets of Richard's health and well-being. I would work with other healthcare professionals, social workers, and neighbourhood agencies (McInnes et al., 2015). Throughout this procedure, it would be critical to handle Richard's predicament with compassion, awareness, and tolerance for cultural differences taking into consideration his thoughts and feelings. Each phase of the care plan would be discussed and finalised after consenting with Richard while taking his preferences and values into account.

Role of the Community Nurse in Assessment, Planning and Coordination

The role played by community nurses in the assessment, planning and coordination of care within the community and primary healthcare setting is quite complex. The delivery of primary care, which can take place in a variety of places and by a variety of clinicians, is frequently the initial interaction a person has with the healthcare system. General practitioners (GPs) may offer it in their regular practices, at facilities for the elderly or in the community, or through businesses that offer public or private services (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023). Nurses make sure that their practice is in accordance with quality, safety and patient-centred approach of the highest quality and adheres to the National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards. These standards assist nurses in taking into consideration the social determinants of health for patients apart from their physical health while conducting thorough assessments of the health needs of the patient (Aerts et al., 2020).

Firstly, in the assessment phase, the clinical expertise possessed by community nurses is used for the collection of detailed information about a patient. This involves various components like the health status of the patient, their living conditions and support systems (Melin‐Johansson et al., 2017). Taking account of the social determinants of health, such as education, income, social support and housing, as pointed out by the AIHW, helps nurses to develop an improved broader understanding of the factors which can contribute to the health outcomes of an individual (AIHW, 2016). Next comes the planning stage, which is based on the findings of the assessment and in which nurses put a collaborative effort along with the patient and other healthcare professionals for the development of a care plan which is person-centred.

The plan considers the preferences, goals and cultural background of the person. In order to improve a person's well-being, community nurses emphasise health promotion, preventative care, and early intervention. As essential elements of the treatment plan, they also take into account the social determinants of health (Jobe et al., 2020). The last aspect is the coordination of care which acts as the core component of the role played by a community nurse. They act as a point of communication between patients and healthcare providers and help maintain transparency and collaboration. This coordination functions irrespective of the healthcare setting and even beyond it extending to social services and community organisations for addressing the social determinants of health. By acting as a connection between patients and appropriate resources and services, community nurses facilitate patient empowerment, enabling them to take better control of their health and well-being (Sekse et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Considering the complexity of health and well-being, nursing's role in providing care for individuals, families, and communities is crucial. Social determinants of health have a significant influence on Richard's current position, as shown by the case study of Richard. In order to reduce these determinants and provide high-quality care, a community nurse's main focus would be on using a person-centred approach. The core competencies of the community nurse's job description are in-depth assessment, cooperative planning, and efficient care coordination. Nurses may create thorough care plans that promote health and prevent sickness by taking socioeconomic variables like housing, economics, and support systems into account. By bridging the disparity between healthcare professionals, social services, and community resources through care coordination, community nurses enable people to take control of their own health and create a more inclusive and healthy society for all.

References

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