Case Study Synopsis
As a public health nurse, you are tasked with conducting a community assessment to contribute to a newly updated strategic plan aimed at preparing a nearby community for future growth and development. This assessment is an opportunity to identify the community’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as provide recommendations for improving the overall health and wellness of the population.
Concepts Covered
- Health promotion
- Health policy
Public Health Nursing Interventions Addressed
- Disease and health event investigation
- Consultation
- Policy development and enforcement
Suggested Readings
- Edelman & Kudzma’s Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span, Ch. 8: Health Promotion and the Community
- Nies & McEwen’s Community/Public Health Nursing, Ch. 6: Community Assessment
- Stanhope & Lancaster’s Foundations for Population Health in Community/Public Health Nursing, Ch. 12: Community Assessment and Evaluation
- Stanhope & Lancaster’s Public Health Nursing, Ch. 17: Community as Client: Assessment and Analysis
Estimated Completion Time
- Case study only: 2 hours
- Plus review questions: + 30 minutes
- Plus discussion questions: + 1 hour
- Total: 3.5 hours
Case Study Objectives
- Identify relevant and appropriate data and information sources for community assessment.
- Gather demographic, geographic, governmental, health care, cultural, and socioeconomic data of the community.
- Conduct a preliminary analysis of data from the windshield survey and community assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Propose recommendations for a strategic plan based on community assessment findings.
Introduction
The city manager has requested a community assessment from you as part of a city council initiative to update their 6-year strategic plan. The goal is to prepare for the community’s future growth and development. This is an excellent opportunity to examine the strengths and weaknesses of the community while offering suggestions for improving the health and wellness of the population. You begin by conducting a preliminary search for information about the city.
Population:
- Total population: 22,791
- Female: 52.2%, Male: 47.8%
- Under 18 years: 34.8%
- 19–64 years: 61.2%
- Over 65 years: 4%
- Ethnic composition: 56.8% Caucasian, 9% Black or African-American, 23.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Other
Location:
- Livability score: 86
- Low crime rate
- Low cost of living
- Temperate weather with warm summers and mild winters
- Local amenities available
NR 442 Case Study 04-Community Assessment Part 1
Primary Industries:
- Manufacturing: Computer technology, hardware, and software
- Non-manufacturing: Public education, government, health care, farming/ranching
Economic Information:
- Per capita income: $73,977
- Persons below poverty level: 7.4%
- Unemployment rate: 3.4%
- Home ownership rate: 65.1%
Educational System:
- One public high school with two public middle schools and six elementary schools
- One Higher Education Center offering workforce readiness programs
- Five private universities and two public universities
Recreation:
- High School football
- Hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking
- Two community parks with swimming pools
- YMCA and various annual events (e.g., Crawfish Festival, Old Tyme Festival)
Health Care Facilities:
- Head Start Program, Urgent Care Clinic, Pediatric Clinic, Primary Care Clinic
- Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing, Fire Department/EMS, Alzheimer’s/Respite Day Care Center
Air Quality: 70 (National Air Toxic Assessment)
Water Quality: 79 (Water Shed Quality)
Transportation:
- Railroad terminal, taxi service, bus service
Media:
- One storefront radio station, weekly newspaper, public library
NR 442 Case Study 04-Community Assessment Part 1
Scenario and Community Assessment
Windshield Survey
The
