The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63339

Anne Ehrlich, RN, BNSc, MHSc and Ruta Valaitis, BScN, MHSc, PhD. School of Nursing and Public Health Research and Development Program, McMaster University and City of Hamilton, Social and Public Health Services, PHRED Program, 1200 Main Street West, Room 3H48, Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5, Canada, 905-525-9140 ext 22117, ehrlicha@mcmaster.ca

Canadian nursing competencies require that graduates demonstrate skills in community assessment, planning and development. To develop these competencies and a knowledge base in the social determinants to health, undergraduate students work collaboratively with local schools and public health nurses to complete school profiles, which have been mandated by the provincial Ministry of Education.

Consistent with McMaster University’s small group, problem-based approach, students work in groups of 10-14 to identify needs and assets of their assigned school and catchment area. They engage in activities which assure the collection of existing and new information and data. These include: census data analysis, key informant interviews, mapping, visioning and community walk-abouts. Students present their initial findings, negotiate next steps and then make a final presentation to community partners, peers and faculty. The final report is reviewed by community partners before final submission for a group grade.

Although students have provided valued information numerous challenges also exist. For example, the start up phase involves intensive support for faculty development, frequent communication with all partners and follow up upon completion of the profiles. Preliminary findings from an informal evaluation with principals revealed that despite the ‘bumps’ to date the results are very positive.

This paper will describe the course, its development with community partners, and the successes and challenges to date. Examples of the students’ work will be demonstrated. Our paper will be useful to faculty, school health nurses, health promotion specialists and educators working on community assessment and development.

Learning Objectives:

• To learn educational strategies which strengthen students knowledge of the social determinants of health and skills in epidemiology for evidence-based community-based planning and development.
• To learn strategies in partnering with community members which support the concept of 'mutuality' in community nursing practice.

Keywords: Public Health Education, Public Health Nursing

Related Web page: www.learnlink.mcmaster.ca/populationhealth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.