PHN role Essay

Within the primary health care (PHC) is a cornerstone in modern healthcare systems, focusing on accessibility, prevention, and holistic treatment. Among various roles in this field, the Community Health Nurse (CHN) stands out as a vital contributor. This essay shall elaborate on discussing the role of the CHN, with a specific focus on serving the urban elderly population. It will explore how a CHN identifies and addresses health needs, using the Ottawa Charter's strategies for health promotion, excluding educational approaches. It will offer a comprehensive understanding of tackling key health issues within this demographic.

Examination of a Primary Health Care (PHC) Nursing Role- It is to note that CHNs operate at the frontline of healthcare, providing services that range from preventive care to chronic disease management. The CHN's work is rooted in the ethos of PHC - accessibility, prevention, and comprehensive care. Unlike traditional nursing roles focused on clinical settings, CHNs extend their services beyond hospital walls, integrating health care into the community's fabric. Also, a critical aspect of a CHN's role is health promotion and disease prevention. May et al. (2021) state that CHNs have a crucial role in carrying out health promotion initiatives that are specifically designed to address the distinct requirements of their community.  This involves creating and implementing community and individual health determinant initiatives.

Client Group Serviced: CHNs serve diverse communities, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. This include those who are old, children, ethnic minorities, and individuals with chronic health concerns. Their method is not universally applicable; rather, it is flexible, culturally attuned, and mindful of the distinct requirements of other communities. CHNs utilize a combination of community assessment, data analysis, and direct connection with the individuals they assist to identify and address the health needs of these specific populations. The study conducted by Khelfaoui et al. (2022) have highlighted the importance of community assessment in defining health priorities and allocating resources.  Right from direct engagement with community people, CHNs may ascertain their health requirements, which may not be evident only from data analysis.

Principles of PHC in Action: CHNs implement primary healthcare principles by ensuring that health services are distributed fairly and are easily accessible. They frequently operate in places with little resources or in distant locations, providing healthcare services to communities that may otherwise be neglected. Furthermore, the preventative strategy employed by Smith and Maurer (2015) is essential in mitigating health inequities and fostering well-being among various communities. In addition, CHNs are responsible for advocating and educating, which positions them as crucial participants in health policy and community health literacy. Their advocacy focuses on implementing policies that enhance health outcomes and strive to eradicate obstacles to healthcare accessibility.

Analysis of Client Group Health Needs and Potential Health Issue- A CHN must examine distinct demographic and socio-economic characteristics that affect urban senior health while assessing their requirements. The elderly population residing in metropolitan regions, namely persons aged 65 and above, have unique health obstacles. These are influenced by environmental, social, and physiological variables.

Demographic Characteristics: The urban elderly have heightened susceptibility to chronic illnesses, restricted physical movement, and frequently experience social seclusion.  The incidence of chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis is notably elevated within this demographic.  A study conducted by Singh et al. (2019) has also emphasized that urban elderly adults are more prone to experiencing various chronic illnesses in comparison to their rural counterparts. This is attributed to variables such as increased exposure to pollution and urban stresses. It is also to note that in metropolitan environments, social isolation can worsen health problems by restricting access to healthcare systems.

Social Determinants of Health: The health of this population is significantly affected by economic limitations. According to Penne and Goedeme (2021), restricted money might make it difficult for the elderly to purchase healthcare, nutritious food, and other health necessities. Urban elders also struggle with housing, transportation, and community services, which affects their health.

Health Issue: Given these considerations, a primary health issue for this group is the effective management of chronic diseases. This difficulty is owing to the high incidence of such illnesses and the complexity of controlling them against socio-economic and environmental variables. This group's chronic conditions require mental health, diet, physical exercise, and social support in addition to medicine. A logical synthesis of this client group's demographics and socioeconomic determinants of health supports the study of their requirements and the identification of chronic illness management as a critical health concern. Understanding the relationship between these characteristics and urban old health is crucial to solving this problem.

Health Promotion Response Using the Ottawa Charter Framework- In addressing the management of chronic diseases in the urban elderly, the Ottawa Charter provides a valuable framework. The Charter outlines five action areas: Building Healthy Public Policy, Creating Supportive Environments, Strengthening Community Action, Reorienting Health Services, and Developing Personal Skills.

Building Healthy Public Policy- Policy advocacy is crucial in ensuring that the needs of the urban elderly are met. CHNs can play a essential role in advocating for policies that support the affordability and accessibility of healthcare for the elderly. It includes advocating for chronic disease home-based care and subsidized healthcare programs.  A study conducted by Tonne et al. (2021) have also highlighted the significance of policy in influencing the health outcomes this population, particularly in metropolitan areas.

Creating Supportive Environments- Creating conducive surroundings that foster physical and mental well-being is important. It is all about having a safe and easily accessible public areas that can facilitate physical exercise. They help in effectively treating health disorders like hypertension and diabetes among the elderly. Also, creating surroundings that promote social contact can help reduce the negative impact of social isolation. Aroogh and Shahboulaghi (2020) too in this regard have claimed that there is a positive relation between environments that promote social and physical activity and improved health among the elderly.

Strengthening Community Action- Enabling communities to assume authority for their health is a fundamental approach. CHNs can help establish support groups for the elderly. It can offer opportunities for peer support and collaborative lobbying to improve health care.  This approach not only empowers individuals but also fosters a sense of community, which is crucial for mental health and overall well-being. Haldane et al. (2019) have highlighted the effectiveness of community groups in improving health outcomes through mutual support and empowerment.

Reorienting Health Services- This involves shifting the health system's focus from curative care to preventive and supportive care. For the urban elderly, this means integrated care models that address the multifaceted nature of chronic disease management. It includes coordinating services across different sectors, such as healthcare, social services, and community support. This integrated approach ensures continuity and comprehensiveness in care, as suggested by (Wang and Liu 2021).

Hence, from the above analysis it is to conclude that the role of CHNs is crucial in addressing the health needs of urban elderly populations. They employ a multifaceted approach, advocating for healthy public policies, creating supportive environments, strengthening community action, and reorienting health services. These strategies align with the Ottawa Charter’s framework for health promotion, focusing on the comprehensive management of chronic diseases. By understanding the unique demographic characteristics and socio-economic challenges of the urban elderly, CHNs play a pivotal role in enhancing their health and well-being. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the importance of a holistic health strategy in primary health care.

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