Healthy People 2020 Healthy People 2020’s commitment to promote health and prevent disease encourages individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices for themselves and their families. Conceptual models and theories play a major role in health promotion and disease prevention. In addition, epidemiological data, such as morbidity and mortality statistics, helps identify health problems common to a particular population. Select one of the Healthy People 2020 initiatives and discuss available preventative health services (immunizations, health screenings, etc.) relevant to the initiative, as well as health promotion strategies to be implemented by the advanced practice nurse for a selected population/age/ethnic group (neonates, children, adults, pregnant female, older adult). Please consider theoretical concepts and epidemiological data while discussing health promotion strategies.

Mn552 discussion board topic 1 and 2 : cultural competence & healthy

The first topic is Getting to know you and cultural competence

My background is in nursing. Since I became a registered nurse, my exposure to diverse cultural backgrounds has sparked a deep interest in cultural competencies in healthcare. Cultural competence plays a vital role in providing the highest quality care to all individuals, regardless of ethnicity.

National CLAS Standards. National CLAS Standards aims to improve healthcare quality and eliminate disparities in health. The standards were designed as a guide to help healthcare providers implement CLAS (culturally and linguistically-appropriate service). Three themes are covered by the standards: Governance Leadership and Workforce, Communication and Language Support, and Engagement, Continuous improvement, and Accountability.

My ethnic/cultural background has influenced how I view health. Hispanics view health as a balance of body, spirit, and mind. In the Hispanic culture, home remedies and herbal medicines are common. In managing chronic health conditions, family support is crucial.

The Asian American Community is a good example to illustrate potential cultural/linguistic need. Asian Americans have diverse backgrounds and health practices. The food culture of Asians is integral to the tradition and plays a major role in health. Asian Americans are more likely to prefer the traditional medicine over western medicines. Support from family and friends is also important in managing health problems.

CLAS Standard: One of the CLAS standards that support the identified need is “Communication and Language Assistance.” This standard aims to ensure that language barriers do not hinder access to healthcare services. Advanced practice nurses can provide language interpretation, including trained interpreters to improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals. Nurses can educate patients about seeking medical attention promptly, taking medications as prescribed, and having regular checkups.

The advanced practice nurse’s role is vital in providing culturally-sensitive care. The nurse can assess the patient’s cultural beliefs and practices and tailor the healthcare plan accordingly. Nurses can inform patients about cultural competency in healthcare, and the positive impact it has on their health. She can also promote policies and resources that encourage cultural competency within healthcare organizations.

References:

Office of Minority Health (n.d.). The National CLAS Standards. Downloaded from http://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=2&lvlid=53

Topic 2: Healthy people 2020

Introduction Healthy People 2020, a national initiative that contains science-based goals to improve health and wellbeing of Americans in general. It aims to improve health by encouraging healthy choices in lifestyles and using evidence-based intervention.

Healthy People 2020 Initiative: I have selected the “Immunization and Infectious Diseases” initiative. The goal of the initiative is to improve immunizations rates in America and decrease the prevalence of infectious diseases. This initiative has several goals, including increasing the percentage of adults and children who are vaccinated, decreasing the number of diseases that can be prevented by vaccines and increasing use of the immunization systems.

Preventive Health Services: A variety of preventive services is available to encourage immunization and reduce the risk of infectious diseases. Infectious diseases can be prevented most effectively by vaccinations. Vaccines should be recommended to all people based on age, occupation and health. There are specific immunization schedules available for both children and adults. Screenings for HIV and tuberculosis can be done.