The Relationship of the Determinants of Health and the Roles of Nurses for these
Determinants
The main factors that determine the health of people are their individual qualities and
behaviors, and their physical, social and economic environment. Such factors as
genetics, income and education level and relationships with family and friends impact
more on health than access to and use of health care services.[1]
Individuals are likely to have no direct control over the following findings:[2]
People with higher income and social status are in better health.
Poor health and more stress are associated with low education levels.
Healthy living and working conditions contribute to good health.
The social support network of families, friends and communities all affect health.
Genetics and personal lifestyle are linked to good health.
Health is influenced by the prevention/treatment of diseases from health services.
Nurses are part of the professional health care team of physicians and therapists who
treat physically unwell people. They typically take care of the sick and injured in
hospitals and also provide care in the homes of patients. In communities with few
doctors in health centers, nurses also diagnose, treat and prescribe medication to
common health problems. Nurses coordinate the work of the health care team including
the patient’s family in the care of the patient and ensure a safe and healthy
environment in the medical setting.[3]
The nurse provides patient care 24 hours a day, makes independent decisions on
patient care based on his/her own knowledge about the person and the problems that
may occur, and also gives comfort to the patient and his/her family. The nurse carries
out most of the treatments prescribed by the doctor in the hospital and monitors the
patient’s progress and any possible complications. The work of the health care team is
coordinated by the nurse, who also supervises the work of nursing assistants, and who
always places the patient at the center of concern. The nurse is responsible for the safe
and healthy environment of the patient, including the sterility of medical materials in the
patient’s room, and ensures the prevention of the spreading of infection amongst
patients. The nurse teaches patients and their families about self-care including
hygiene, proper diet and nutrition and exercise and other matters on healthy living.[4]
The community nurse is basically a health teacher and counselor in the community.
Initially he/she assesses a community’s health needs and the social determinants that
affect its health status, including health risks, injuries and disabilities, and then develops
a plan to address health issues with the use of available resources. The community
nurse must educate individuals and families on healthy lifestyle choices to upgrade
health standards through clear communication of complex ideas. After implementation
of the plan, results must be evaluated in order to effectively deliver care based on them
and adjustments be made as needed, and also to improve preventive strategies.[5]
The community nurse can work with individuals, families and various groups to build
partnerships and develop programs and services to address priority health issues.
Cultural values and social practices must be considered for effective interaction with
people, while initiating and maintaining professional relationships with clients, families
and community and health care team members. The community nurse must also
practice confidentiality in dealing with clients. Decision making and problem solving
must be based on scientific and social evidence and knowledge of organizational
policies. He/she must also prioritize nursing care and program planning and evaluate
nursing practice regularly.[6]
A community nurse is a relationship and partnership builder throughout the community
in the course of improving the health of its members, and acting as an advocate, he/she
can ask for additional resources to help address its health concerns.[7]
[1] “The Determinants of Health”, World Health Organization, 2011, <http://www.who.int/hia/evidence/doh/en/> [accessed 16 May 2011]
[2] ibid
[3] “The Role of the Nurse on the Health Care Team”, PDF,
<http://www.wpro.who.int/internet/files/pub/85/1-6.pdf> [accessed 16 May 2011]
[4] ibid
[5] Daphne Mallory, “What are the Primary Roles of the Community Nurse?”, eHow, 2011,
<http://www.ehow.com/list_6039100_primary-roles-community-nurse_.html> [accessed 16 May 2011]
[6] “The Role of the Community Health Nurse”, PDF, March 2005,
<http://www.interiorhealth.ca/uploadedFiles/Health_Services/Aboriginal_Health/RoleofCHN.pdf>
[accessed 16 May 2011]
[7] Daphne Mallory
Credit:ivythesis.typepad.com
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