Poster Presentation
Thursday, 20 July 2006
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday, 20 July 2006
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
This presentation is part of : Poster Presentations II
The Outcomes of Constructing a Community-Based Prevention Network: An Example of SARS
Yu-Chi Chen, RN, MS, School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan and I. Chuan Li, DNS, Nursing, Institute of Community Health Nursing, National Yang-ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Learning Objective #1: know the construction of a community-based prevention network to increase people’s awareness and participation by applying empowerment strategies.
Learning Objective #2: be thoroughly familiar with the deferent levels of empowerment outcomes within an empowering community.
     Sever acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has become an emerging infectious disease threatening people’s lives internationally.  The prevention task in the community is very important after the breakout from the hospitals.  An inappropriate isolation policy cannot prevent the spread of SARS, but destroy people’s trust and caring interpersonal relationships between community members. The major challenge is that some of infectious disease prevention measures are to be taken outside health sector. The community also needs to be strengthened and equipped with the health skills to promote better health within a supportive environment.         Participatory action research was the method in this study and used the concept of empowerment guiding the whole study process. Its purpose was to display the process, strategies, and outcomes in constructing a community-based prevention network for SARS. It was conducted in five steps: 1. identifying community’s needs and resistance; 2. establishing community prevention task teams and support systems; 3. creating a supportive environment; 4. using neighborhood cohesion and care to acquire community residents’ participation; 5. developing and implementing a unique community-based prevention plan. Three levels of outcomes were found: First, increased personal abilities in preventing infectious diseases in one’s knowledge, attitude and behavior of SARS prevention; and improved one’s self-esteem and self-confident. Second, revitalized functions and visions of volunteer organizations in the community; and improved the ability of resource mobilization for volunteer groups. Third, the community organizations actively involved with health policies; and cooperated and shared the experience in prevention infectious diseases with other communities.     Good public health measures in maintaining a healthy living environment is the long term in controlling an outbreak of infectious disease. Government and health professionals should utilize the concept of “community as a partner” for shaping public health policy.  The community training is very crucial, and is worthy to invest. 

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See more of The 17th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice (19-22 July 2006)