Week 1: Identification of a Population in Your Community
Overview
As a community of practice your task for this week is to collaborate with professionals across the health care system and with your community of practice in the discussion in order to find a gap in care or social determinant that often results in poor health care outcomes. You will begin to take the lead in advocating for and collaborating with others to improve the health care outcomes for populations at risk.
How to Approach This Assignment
This week focuses on identifying a population at risk within your community and recognizing a health issue that affects them. The goal is not to solve the entire problem yet, but to identify and understand the population and the health concern that will be developed throughout the practicum project.
Step 1: Describe Your Community
Begin by briefly explaining the community where you live or practice. Include general characteristics such as:
Location (urban, suburban, or rural)
Population size
Demographics (age groups, cultural groups, socioeconomic conditions)
Access to healthcare facilities
Public health services available
This section helps establish the environment in which the health issue exists.
Step 2: Describe Your Practice Setting
Explain the healthcare setting where you work or where your practicum experience occurs. Examples may include:
Hospital
Community health clinic
Long-term care facility
Public health department
Outpatient clinic
Describe the type of patients served and the common health issues observed in that setting.
Step 3: Identify Determinants of Health in the Community
Next, identify social determinants of health that affect people in the community. These are factors that influence health outcomes beyond medical care.
Examples include:
Income level and employment
Education
Housing conditions
Access to healthcare
Transportation
Food availability
Cultural or language barriers
Understanding these determinants helps explain why certain populations experience higher health risks.
Step 4: Identify the Most Common Health Problems
Discuss the major health concerns seen in the community or in the practice setting. These may include:
Diabetes
Obesity
Heart disease
Smoking or substance use
Infectious diseases
Teenage pregnancy
Mental health conditions
This information should ideally be supported by public health data or credible health sources.
Step 5: Choose a Population at Risk
Select a specific population group that is at risk for a particular health problem. A population at risk is a group of people who share characteristics that increase their chances of developing a health condition.
Examples include:
Adolescents at risk for smoking or substance use
Older adults at risk for falls
Low-income adults with uncontrolled diabetes
Pregnant teenagers
Obese children at risk for cardiovascular disease
Clearly define the population by considering:
Age group
Cultural background
Lifestyle factors
Religious beliefs
Diet or traditions
This population will become the focus of the practicum project for the entire course.
Step 6: Describe the Health Problem Affecting the Population
Finally, explain the specific health problem that affects the selected population. Discuss:
Why the population is at risk
How common the problem is
What factors contribute to the problem
Why it is important to address it
This section should also begin to introduce supporting evidence from public health data or nursing literature.
Sample Solution
Smoking. We all know it is one of the most prevalent causes of death and disease nation wide (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2020). So, there is no surprise that it is also heavily affecting the communities I am a part of. In 2022, Harris County, Texas reported that 9.8% of adults smoke, which is down from prior reports of 13.3% in the same area and 13.2% across Texas and 15.5% nationally. However, though any decrease is a win, there is still great opportunity…..Click below to access the full sample solution (PDF)