| Learning Objective #1: Discuss methods for Community-University collaboration in planning and implementation of health promotion activities for an economically and medically underserved elderly Hispanic population | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Examine methods to decrease barriers to health promotion among community-residing economically poor elderly Hispanics in an urban setting |
An outreach activity of the Ministerio de Salud, a partnership for health between the University of the Incarnate Word School of Nursing and St. Philip of Jesus parish involves providing health promotion activities at a government subsidized apartment complex for senior citizens. Preliminary assessments revealed the most common health problems were hypertension and diabetes. Many of the 117 residents experience multiple chronic health problems and take multiple prescription medication. For many of these elderly Hispanic seniors living on fixed incomes, self-management of chronic health problems was a skill they wished to learn.
Using a Service-Learning model, undergraduate, RN to BSN and graduate nursing students have worked with faculty and staff of Ministerio de Salud in conducting needs assessments and implementing health promotion activities. Residents of the complex determined the best time, content and structure for these activities, and programs and services are scheduled based on their requests. In addition to blood pressure screenings, health promotion activities include medication reviews, assistance with Advanced Directives, programs on specific medications, stress management and self-monitoring and management of multiple chronic health problems.
Barriers to health promotion identified include Access, Trust, Language, Culture, and Cost. Faculty, staff and students work with the residents to overcome these barriers, and in the process the community teaches the faculty and students skills needed to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate health promotion in a variety of settings. Outcomes for residents include improved knowledge and skills as well as improved health status. Outcomes for the University include increased knowledge of the community, improved Spanish language skills, and an ability to work within the culture of the community rather than the culture of a health care agency.
This project is supported through grants from Pierre Fund of the Sisters of Charity of The Incarnate Word, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, HRSA 1D11HP00436-01
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