Appraise historical perspectives, current trends, frameworks, data, and evolving issues in population health and infectious diseases on a global level by utilizing appropriate resources and technology. (PSLO 1, 5, 6, GEC 4, 5, 6, AACN 1, 3, 8, 10)
Appraise the role of the professional nurse in providing holistic, culturally competent, equitable, and inclusive care for diverse patient populations across the lifespan and healthcare continuum using best practices and current evidence. (PSLO 2, 3, 7 GEC 1,2, 3, AACN 2, 3, 6, 9, 10)
Assess the personal, social, economic, and environmental determinants that influence the health status of individuals, families, groups, communities, and vulnerable populations. (PSLO 2, 5; GEC 3, 4; AACN 3).
Evaluate how effective professional communication, effective partnerships, ethical behaviors, and collaboration with stakeholders can improve health outcomes when caring for populations. (PSLO 3, 7, GEC 2, AACN 6, 9,10)
Assess the impact of demographic trends, economics, health policy, global influences, disasters, and advocacy strategies in local, state, national, and global public health systems. (PSLO 1, 6 GEC 3, 5, AACN 3, 8)
Discussion Prompt
Reflect on how you feel you have achieved the selected outcome based on the work completed in this course.
Discuss how you will apply what you learned in this course to your current or future nursing practice. Supportive evidence is not required
Full Answer Section
From a historical perspective, the course highlighted landmark events in public health, such as the eradication of smallpox, the evolution of vaccination programs, and the impact of major pandemics like the Spanish Flu and HIV/AIDS. Understanding the lessons learned from these historical battles against infectious diseases – the successes and failures of global collaboration, the socio-political factors influencing response, and the ethical dilemmas encountered – provides invaluable context for current challenges. For instance, studying the historical context of tuberculosis control helped me appreciate the long-standing efforts and persistent obstacles in managing prevalent infectious diseases, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa.
Regarding current trends and evolving issues, the course provided up-to-date data and frameworks for analyzing contemporary global health threats. We delved into the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the persistent threat of neglected tropical diseases, the increasing frequency of zoonotic spillover events, and the profound impact of climate change on disease patterns. The use of appropriate resources and technology was integral; analyzing global health dashboards, epidemiological reports from WHO and CDC, and real-time disease surveillance platforms helped me visualize the current landscape and understand the rapid dissemination of infectious agents across borders. The discussions on emerging pathogens and the challenges of pandemic preparedness, particularly in the aftermath of recent global health crises, were particularly insightful, offering a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of global health.
Application to Current or Future Nursing Practice:
My achievement of this outcome will profoundly influence my nursing practice. In current practice, working within the Kenyan context, this knowledge enhances my ability to recognize local health issues within a global framework. For example, understanding global trends in AMR means I'm more vigilant about advocating for appropriate antibiotic stewardship in my facility, knowing that local practices contribute to a worldwide problem. When assessing a patient with a travel history, I am now better equipped to consider a broader spectrum of infectious diseases based on global epidemiological data.
In future nursing practice, especially if I pursue roles in public health, community health, or international nursing, this comprehensive appraisal will be foundational. I will be able to contribute more effectively to disease surveillance, outbreak response planning, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions by understanding the global context, the socio-economic factors influencing disease transmission, and the historical precedents of successful (or unsuccessful) public health campaigns. This broad perspective is crucial for developing sustainable and impactful health strategies that transcend national borders.
Reflection on Program Learning Outcome 2: Determinants of Health Status
I feel I have comprehensively achieved the outcome of assessing the personal, social, economic, and environmental determinants that influence the health status of individuals, families, groups, communities, and vulnerable populations. This course has dramatically shifted my focus from purely clinical pathology to the broader upstream factors that shape health outcomes, particularly relevant in diverse settings like Kisumu, Kenya.
The course emphasized that health is not merely the absence of disease but a complex interplay of numerous factors. We critically examined personal determinants such as age, gender, genetics, and lifestyle choices. More importantly, we delved deeply into social determinants of health (SDOH), which often exert a far greater influence on health trajectories. This included exploring the impact of education levels, access to quality housing, social support networks, and experiences of discrimination on health. For instance, understanding how lack of access to clean water in a specific community directly contributes to diarrheal diseases, or how gender inequality impacts women's access to healthcare, provided concrete examples of these social influences.
The economic determinants explored included income inequality, employment status, food insecurity, and affordability of healthcare services. I learned how economic disparities create vast differences in health outcomes, leading to significant health inequities. For example, the financial burden of managing chronic diseases like diabetes or HIV/AIDS in low-income settings, or the inability of families to afford nutritious food, directly influences disease progression and overall well-being.
Finally, the course provided a robust framework for assessing environmental determinants, ranging from air and water quality to sanitation infrastructure, climate change impacts, and occupational hazards. Living in Kisumu, where issues like seasonal flooding and informal settlements are prevalent, this understanding is particularly pertinent. I learned to systematically assess how these environmental factors create vulnerabilities for specific populations, increasing their susceptibility to infectious diseases, respiratory illnesses, or malnutrition.
Application to Current or Future Nursing Practice:
My achievement in assessing these determinants will fundamentally transform my current nursing practice. Previously, I might have focused primarily on treating a patient's symptoms. Now, I am equipped to ask deeper questions and identify the underlying social, economic, or environmental factors contributing to their health issues. For example, if a patient presents with recurrent respiratory infections, I now consider not just their medical history, but also their living conditions (e.g., exposure to indoor air pollution from cooking fuels), their economic stability (e.g., ability to afford nutritious food), and their access to clean water. This holistic assessment allows me to advocate for social interventions, connect patients to community resources, and tailor care plans that address the root causes of their health problems, not just the symptoms.
In future nursing practice, this comprehensive understanding of health determinants will be critical for leadership roles in community health, public health program development, or policy advocacy. I will be able to design and implement health interventions that are truly impactful because they are grounded in an understanding of the complex factors influencing health. For instance, when planning a health education campaign for a vulnerable population, I will first assess their unique personal, social, economic, and environmental context to ensure the intervention is culturally appropriate, accessible, and addresses their most pressing health determinants, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. This perspective is vital for advancing health equity and improving population health outcomes sustainably.