• How can nursing best advocate for health equity in your community?

 

Health equity The practice of removing barriers to ensuring a fair chance of health is an issue that affects multiple aspects of human experience, from economic and socio-cultural factors to environmental and societal conditions. Health equity addresses the disparity between health and healthcare and is seen as both a process and an outcome.

The Association of Public Health Nurses (APHN) and other healthcare organizations have offered recommendations for nurse leaders as they strive to promote equity in healthcare:

• Be mindful of the approach: 

Many communities that have little to no access to healthcare remain deprived of providers, sometimes due to cultural differences and sometimes due to a shortage of nearby resources. Taking small steps to build trust, such as seeking immersion experiences, can ingratiate nurses to a community.

While learning about the challenges facing communities, nurses should remember to demonstrate compassion and appreciation for cultures, traditions and beliefs. Knowledge of cultural nuances will encourage closer relations with the culture.

• Examine the underlying causes of illness and disease in a community

Analyze the various determinants of wellbeing, including the circumstances in which residents live, function and age, to achieve a better understanding of what causes medical complications.

By reviewing the multiple underlying factors of poor health conditions, nurses can begin to peel back the layers of health inequities. The work can establish pathways to strengthen individual and community health.

• Work collaboratively with the community

Establishing a framework for health equality requires moving away from divisiveness and improving the culture. Communities who believe themselves to be full partners of health results will commit actively to the process and achieve change.

The APHN said nurses have a duty to create new relationships, improve old relationships, and inspire community members to take charge of building health equity.

• Establish partnerships: 

?Partnerships with community groups, organizations, elected and appointed officials, health and human service professionals and volunteers should be focused on improving human conditions in specific communities.

By working with other agencies and institutions, nurses and other stakeholders can identify strategies, create action plans, and implement approaches for health equity.

• Advocate for needs:

DNP-educated nurses are positioned to advocate for needs within communities. Advocacy begins with identifying specific needs, determining who can take the appropriate actions, and encouraging dedicated support for improvements. The primary goal should be to and the community.