Collaborative trends in community health nursing

Sample Answer

Collaborative Trends in Community Health Nursing: A Shift Toward Integrated Care

Community Health Nursing (CHN) has evolved significantly, moving beyond traditional, siloed approaches to embrace collaboration as a core principle. This shift is driven by the recognition that health outcomes are complex and influenced by interconnected factors beyond individual medical care. Here's an examination of key collaborative trends:

1. Interprofessional Collaboration (IPC) as Standard Practice:

• Trend: CHNs are increasingly embedded within formal IPC teams, working alongside physicians, social workers, pharmacists, public health officials, behavioral health specialists, dietitians, and community health workers (CHWs).
• Why: Addresses the multifaceted nature of health (medical, social, behavioral, environmental). For example, managing a child's asthma requires medical treatment (doctor), environmental assessment (CHN/CHW), medication access (pharmacist), and potential housing support (social worker).
• Impact: Leads to more comprehensive care plans, reduced duplication, improved communication, and better resource utilization.

2. Integration with Primary Care and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs):