Both public and community health care have many benefits and disadvantages, by understanding these factors one can better gain how to provide the best health care policies to benefit the largest number of people. By understanding how community nursing works we can better determine how to address the public in a more efficient manner.
A geopolitical community refers to with geographically defined boundaries, for example it may be a particular town or city. (Homan, 2010). The geo part indicates geographical boundaries while the political part is applicable because usually these defined areas are under a unified political power. A phenomenological community refers to a place a person feels that they “belong” or have shared interests, such as a club or organization (Homan, 2010).
Community health care provides a much more hands on service than public health as it tailored to a fit a community. Community health providers also work closely to address concerns of patients in one particular area. They often have a better understanding about the needs of that area. The drawback of community health nursing is that may not have as much funding or the availability of diverse statistical data. Community health providers often use action research to determine the needs of their community. The most common form of action research is a participatory approach to research by investigating community beliefs (Stringer & Dwyer, 2004). Often there is a network of communication within local organizations, health care providers, clubs, schools, churches, and other individuals that may be affected by the action (Stringer & Dwyer, 2004). Counseling may assist in implementing the process to remedy problems that need immediate action or input. Over the long term the decisions made should positively impact all “stakeholders” and strengthen the community as a whole (Stringer & Dwyer, 2004). This can only be achieved by exploring a wide range of perspectives and possible outcomes. All perspectives should be taken into consideration without bias. Stringer states, “strengthened community can play in preventing and solving the problems that individuals and families commonly experience, and gives you the tools to organize empowering local actions brining clients, families, and other community members into an active role in building a healthier community for themselves, their families, and their neighbors.” (Stringer & Dwyer, 2004).
Works Cited:
Homan, M. (2010). Promoting community change: Making it happen in the real world. (5 ed.). Brooks Cole.
Stringer, E., & Dwyer, R. (2004). Action research in human services. (1 ed.). Prentice Hall.
