Research and prepare a community-level strategic plan that addresses a key public health issue.
Potential topics may include:
Using prenatal and infancy home visits to prevent child abuse and neglect
Preventing falls in the elderly
Reducing population salt intake
Reducing tobacco use among adults
Preventing risky sexual behavior among youth and young adults
Reducing drug experimentation among young adults
Include :
Introduction:
Provide an overview of the community health issue as described in Part A with identified causes and influences, including knowledge gaps.
Detail the prevalence of the issue inside and outside the United States.
Describe potential monetary costs associated with the issue in the United States.
You must include data as part of your introduction (images, charts, graphs, etc., may be included as well as written data).
Describe advance practice roles and management strategies that affect change at the community level.
Identify key community and social resources that negatively and positively affect the selected issue.
Identify changes or enhancements in community-related services for your selected topic.
Develop a strategic plan that could decrease the prevalence of your selected topic.The goals for this plan needs to be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. Include how your plan takes into consideration health literacy, socioeconomic factors, and cultural differences.
Conclusion:
A summary of the goals and challenges
An assessment of the outlook for action/progress
Full Answer Section
The potential monetary costs associated with falls are significant. In the United States, the total cost of fall-related injuries was estimated at $51.6 billion in 2015, including direct medical costs, indirect costs such as lost productivity, and long-term care costs.
Key Causes and Influences
There are many factors that can contribute to the risk of falls in older adults, including:
- Age-related changes: As we age, our balance, strength, and vision can decline, making us more likely to fall.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as sedatives and antidepressants, can increase the risk of falls.
- Environmental hazards: Cluttered homes, slippery floors, and poor lighting can all increase the risk of falls.
- Underlying health conditions: Chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease can also increase the risk of falls.
Knowledge Gaps
While there is a good understanding of the key causes and influences of falls in older adults, there are still some knowledge gaps that need to be addressed. For example, more research is needed to identify effective interventions for preventing falls in older adults with multiple risk factors. Additionally, there is a need for more culturally sensitive interventions that are tailored to the specific needs of older adults from diverse backgrounds.
Community-Level Strategic Plan
The following is a community-level strategic plan to prevent falls in the elderly:
Vision:
A community where older adults can age in place safely and without fear of falling.
Mission:
To reduce the number of falls among older adults in our community by 20% in the next five years.
Goals:
- Increase awareness of the risk factors for falls among older adults and their caregivers.
- Implement evidence-based interventions to prevent falls in older adults.
- Create a safe and supportive environment for older adults.
Strategies:
- Increase awareness:
- Conduct community education events and workshops on falls prevention.
- Distribute educational materials to older adults and their caregivers.
- Partner with healthcare providers to educate patients about falls prevention.
- Implement evidence-based interventions:
- Provide home safety assessments and modifications.
- Offer balance and strength training classes for older adults.
- Promote the use of assistive devices, such as canes and walkers.
- Encourage medication reviews to identify and address medications that may increase the risk of falls.
- Create a safe and supportive environment:
- Advocate for policies that promote safe housing for older adults.
- Work with businesses to improve safety for older adults, such as installing grab bars in restrooms.
- Encourage community members to look out for older adults and offer assistance when needed.
Evaluation:
The success of the strategic plan will be evaluated by tracking the following metrics:
- The number of falls among older adults in the community.
- The number of older adults who participate in falls prevention programs.
- The number of homes that are modified to reduce the risk of falls.
Conclusion
Falls are a serious public health issue, but they are preventable. By implementing a comprehensive community-level strategic plan, we can help to reduce the number of falls among older adults and create a safer and more supportive environment for them to live in.
Sample Answer
Community-Level Strategic Plan: Preventing Falls in the Elderly
Introduction
Falls are a major public health concern, particularly for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury death among adults aged 65 and older, with an estimated 32,000 deaths occurring in 2019. In addition to the risk of death, falls can also lead to serious injuries, such as hip fractures, which can have a debilitating impact on an older person's mobility and independence.
The prevalence of falls is high both in the United States and globally. In the United States, one in four adults aged 65 and older fall each year, and one in five falls results in a serious injury. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 300,000 people worldwide die from fall-related injuries each year.