NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1 Identifying Community Health Needs

• NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1 Identifying Community Health Needs

Identifying Community Health Needs

A thriving community depends on identifying and addressing health needs through a systematic process. Healthcare organizations often collaborate to assess and prioritize medical care concerns within specific regions or demographics. By doing so, experts can focus on the well-being of underserved populations and develop actionable plans to improve their conditions. This assessment focuses on the prevalence of diabetes in West Virginia, the healthcare requirements of NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1 for affected individuals, and the communities most impacted. Data for this evaluation was obtained from trusted sources, including the State Department of Health, the American Diabetes Association, County Health Data, and the American Journal of Diabetes.

Understanding Demographic Characteristics of the State

Demographics are vital in understanding the health landscape of a population. Race, ethnicity, age, education, income, and health conditions help create a clear picture of community needs. For example, in West Virginia, where the population totals approximately 1.77 million, 93.1% are white, 3.7% are black, 0.3% are Asian, and 1.9% identify as Latino. About 14.1% of residents under 65 live with a disability, and 88.1% have completed high school (U.S. Census Bureau, 2018). Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and kidney disease are widespread, with risk factors like obesity and hypertension prevalent across the population.

The Role of Demographics in Healthcare

Demographic insights are essential for effective healthcare delivery. Patient information, including age, insurance status, and socioeconomic background, allows for streamlined billing, improved care quality, and culturally competent communication. For instance, in NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1, the data highlights that diabetes disproportionately affects certain groups, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and education.

Trends in Population and Health Reports

Between 2010 and 2021, West Virginia saw minimal population growth, with a slight decline of 0.8% from 2016 to 2017. Diabetes affects 16.2% of adults in the state—around 232,336 individuals. Notably, Native Americans and non-Hispanic Black populations experience higher rates of diabetes compared to other groups (American Diabetes Association, 2022). These trends underscore the importance of population-based approaches to prevention and care.

Addressing Rising Diabetes Rates

In NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1, the focus extends beyond the clinical management of diabetes to public health measures aimed at reducing its prevalence. Epidemiological tools such as surveys, program evaluations, and timely data analysis provide crucial insights into disease trends and inform policies for prevention and management. For instance, the 2021 Diabetes in West Virginia report examined risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies, highlighting opportunities to enhance community health.

The Impact of Diabetes on Specific Groups

Diabetes significantly affects West Virginia’s diverse population, with 17% of Black residents and 16% of white residents diagnosed with the condition. Native Americans are particularly vulnerable, facing a diabetes rate more than double that of white populations. This disparity points to broader social determinants of health, including economic status and access to care. As noted by the CDC, diabetes costs individuals with the disease roughly double the healthcare expenses of those without it. In 2018, West Virginia received $926,068 in grants from the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation to support education and prevention initiatives.

Effective Communication of Health Needs

Clear and respectful communication is central to meeting community health needs. Hermann et al. (2019) state that demographics significantly shape how patients perceive healthcare interactions. Patients feel valued and understood when healthcare providers convey information with clarity and empathy. This approach fosters trust and promotes health literacy, enabling communities to take proactive steps toward improved well-being.

Building Trust Through Patient-Centered Care

Respect and dignity are foundational to effective healthcare delivery. Simple actions like informing patients about delays, safeguarding their privacy, and meaningfully addressing their concerns can greatly enhance satisfaction and outcomes. The principles of NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1 emphasize treating individuals holistically, considering their medical conditions and social and economic environments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, once identified, basic strategies and intervention plans can address communities’ health needs. Healthcare professionals can take the appropriate preventative steps and promote health by learning about a state’s demographic characteristics. In this regard, epidemiology may play a significant role and may be utilized to oversee program data’s rapid evaluation and analysis.

References

American Diabetes Association. (2022, July 28). Statistics about Diabetes | ADA. Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/about-diabetes 

American Diabetes Association. (2018). The burden of diabetes in West Virginia.  https://diabetes.org/sites/default/files/202111/ADV_2021_State_Fact_sheets_West%20Virginia_rev.pdf 

Division of Health Promotion and Chronic Diseases. (2021). Diabetes in West Virginia. Wv.gov.https://dhhr.wv.gov/hpcd/FocusAreas/wvdiabetes/Pages/DiabetesinWestVirginia.aspx 

Hermann, R. M., Long, E., & Trotta, R. L. (2019). Improving patients’ experiences communicating with nurses and providers in the emergency department. Journal of emergency nursing: JEN : Official Publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association, 45(5), 523–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2018.12.001  

Hwang, Y., & Oh, J. (2020). Factors affecting health-promoting behaviors among nursing students. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(17), 6291. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176291 

Minc, S. D., Hendricks, B., Misra, R., Ren, Y., Thibault, D., Marone, L., & Smith, G. S. (2020). Geographic variation in amputation rates among patients with diabetes and/or peripheral arterial disease in the rural state of West Virginia identifies areas for improved care. Journal of Vascular Surgery, 71(5), 1708-1717.e5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvs.2019.06.215 

United States Census Bureau. (2018). QuickFacts: United States. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/