92237 Primary Health Care

Subject level: Undergraduate

Handbook description

Health promotion and primary health care as defined by the World Health Organization form the framework for exploring the principles and practice of community health nursing and the dynamic nature of the community. The subject uses insights from the disciplines of epidemiology, population health and sociology to examine the health needs of vulnerable groups in the community. The importance of ecological sustainability to the health of the community is also addressed.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. understand the philosophy, principles and practices of primary health care (ANMC competencies: 3.2)
2. consider the health needs of Australian society in general, and in particular, vulnerable and disadvantaged community groups (sub-populations) from a primary health care perspective (ANMC competencies: 3.1, 5.2, 6.1)
3. analyse the biological, social, economic and environmental health determinants of community health and sustainability (ANMC competencies: 3.3, 5.1)
4. apply the strategy of health promotion to the care of groups in the community, using health education and community development models of care (ANMC competencies: 3.2)
5. explore and evaluate the role of community based organisations in promoting health in the community (ANMC competencies: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 7.1, 8.1)
6. identify practical, legal and ethical issues inherent in primary health care nursing (ANMC competencies: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3)
7. reflect on the primary health care practitioner's own values, attitudes and beliefs as they engage in their professional role of addressing the health care needs of vulnerable sub-populations palliative care (ANMC competencies: 2.3)
8. understand the need to provide nursing care that is culturally sensitive and is consistent with the Code of Professional Conduct for Nurses in Australia 3 and Code of Ethics for Nurses in Australia 4 (ANMC competencies: 1.1, 1.3, 2.1).

Teaching and learning strategies

There are two one-hour lectures scheduled for this subject, which students are encouraged to attend in order to aid their understanding of the principles underpinning the subject, and to clarify expectations regarding assessments. In addition, students will regularly engage with their online tutorial group, and in this context, questions and concerns can be raised with your tutor.

Content

This subject introduces students to the philosophy, principles and practice of primary health care, and the strategies of health promotion, health education and community development, as the basis for nursing practice in the community. Health promotion and primary health care, as defined by the World Health Organization, form the framework for exploring the principles and practice of community health nursing and reflect the dynamic nature of engagement with sub-populations in the community. The subject utilises insights from the disciplines of epidemiology, population health and sociology to examine the health needs of vulnerable groups in the community. The importance of ecological sustainability to the health of the community is also addressed.