Introduction to C&PHN important to note that community health nursing ● Lifestyle Community: Formed

Definition of health practice is collaborative and is based in research around a particular lifestyle or choice,
HEALTH and theory. It applies the nursing process to the like vegan communities, fitness
groups, or tiny home living
• health as 'a state of complete physical, mental, care of individuals, families, aggregates, and the
enthusiasts.
and social well-being and not merely the absence community. Characteristics of a Healthy Community
of disease or infirmity.* WHO (1958. p.1) 1. A shared sense of being in a
• Social health means relating to living together Determinants of health Listed by WHO community based on history and
in organized groups or similar close aggregates* 1. Income and social status. Higher income and values.
(American Hentage College Dictionary, 1997, p. social status are linked to better health. 2. A general feeling of empowerment
1291) and refers to units of people in 2. Education Low education levels are linked with and control over maters that affect the
community as a whole.
communities who interact with one another. poor health, more stress and lower self
3. Existing structures that allow
• 'Social health" connotes community vitality confidence. subgroups within the community to
and is a result of positive interaction among 3. Physical environment. Safe water and clean air, participate in decision making in
groups within the community with an emphasis healthy workplaces, safe houses, communities community mätters.
on health promotion and illness prevention. and roads all contribute to good health. 4. The ability to cope with a change,
• health has been defined as "a state of well-being. 4. Employment and Working conditions People in solve problems and manage conflicts
• realization of human potential through goal employment are healthier, particularly those who within the community through
acceptable means
directed behavior, competent self-care, and have more control over their working conditions.
5. Open channels of communication
satisfying relationships with others (Pender, 5. Social support networks. Greater support from and cooperation among members of
Murdaugh, and Parsons, 2011, families, friends and communities is linked to the community.
• Commonalities involve description of better health. 6. Equitable and efficient use of
"goal-directed" or possesson of sound pross 6. Culture. Customs and traditions, and the beliefs community resources with the view
shoree and or well Beand the of the family and community all affect health. towards sustaining natural resources.
Components of a Community
7. Genetics. Inheritance plays a part in
Nature of Community
Public health Nursing determining lifespan, healthiness and the Many dimensions describe the nature of
• Department of Health and the public health likelihood of developing certain illnesses. community. These include an
system have evolved into what it is now in 8. Personal behavior and coping skills. Balanced ● aggregate of people- The "who" - they
response to the challenges of the times. eating, keeping active, smoking, drinking, and share personal characteristics and risks
• Public Health Nursing practice been influenced how we deal with life's stresses and challenges all ● a location in space and time-The
by the changing global and local health trends. affect health "where" and "when" - physical
location frequently delineated by
These global and country health imperatives 9. Health Access and use of services that prevent
boundaries and influenced by the
brought public health nursing into new frontiers and treat disease influence health. passage of time
and have positioned nurses to emerge as leaders 10. Gender. Men and women suffer from different ● a social system -The "why" and
of health promotion and advocacy types of diseases at different ages. "how": interrelationships of aggregates
• the government agency mandated to protect and fulfilling community functions
promote people's health and the biggest employer Aggregate of People
of health workers including public health nurses. ● An aggregate is a community
composed of people who have
common characteristics. For example,
Public and Commusity Health Nursing members of a community may share
•PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING may be defined residence in the same city,
as a field of professional practice in nursing and membership in the same religious
in public health in which technical nursing organization, or similar demographic
interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills characteristics such as age and ethnic
These skills are applied in concert with those of background
● A community of solution may form
other persons engaged in health care, through when a common problem unites
comprehensive nursing care of families and other individuals. Although people may
groups and through measures for evaluation or have little else in common with each
control of threats to health, for health education of other, their desire to redress problems
the public, and for mobilization of the public for brings them together
health action. (Freeman 1963) Location in Space and Time
CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY A community is an entity delineated by
Communities can be broadly categorized based on geopolitical this view best exemplifies the
PUBLIC HEALTH BY C.E WINSLOW dimension of location.
• Winslow defined public health as "the science :
● common interests Census tracts -subdivide larger communities.
and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and information a cilitate the canation ge oespent
● geography
promoting health through the organized efforts ● relationships locales.
and informed choices of society, organizations, ● Geographic Community: Based on ● geographic community can
public and private communities, and individuals." location, like neighborhoods, cities, or encompass less formalized areas that
regions where people live and interact lack official geopolitical boundaries.
One of the most formidable forces in the field
daily. ● Location and the dimension of time
• all public health efforts are for people to realize define communities.
their birthrights of health and longevity. ● Interest-Based Community: People
who share a particular interest or The community's character and health
Public health nursing problems evolve over time.
passion
• public health nursing was seen as a subspecialty ● Cultural or Ethnic Community: Social System
nursing practice generally delivered within Formed around shared cultural - ● third major feature of a community
"official or governmental agencies heritage, ethnicity, or nationality, often ● relationships that community
preserving traditions, languages, and members form with one another.
• In contrast, "community health nursing" was
values ● Community members fulfill the
considered to be a broader and more general essential functions of community by
● Professional Community: Based on
specialty area that encompassed many additional interacting in groups.
shared professions or careers, E
sub specialties (e.g., school nursing, occupational Religious Community: Centers on ● functions provide socialization, role
health nursing, home health nursing) shared religious beliefs or fulfillment, goal achievement, and
• 1980, the ANA defined community health practices, member support.
● Virtual/Online Community, Based ● Therefore a community is a complex
nursing as "the synthesis of nursing practice and
entirely online, where people interact social system, and its interacting
public health practice applied to promoting and members constitute various
preserving the health of populations* through forums, social média, or
online platforms. subsystems within the community.
• community health nurse directs care to These subsystems are interrelated and
● Educational Community: Tied to
individuals, families, of groups, this care, in turn, educational institutions, ike schools or interdependent.
contributes to the health of the total population. universities, Including students, staff, Assessing the Community: Sources Of Data
• In contrast, "community health nursing" was and sometimes families ● CHN becomes familiar with the
● Support or Recovery Community: community and begins to understand
considered to be a broader and more general
Created to support members through its nature by traveling through the area
specialty area that encompassed many additional ● establish certain hunches or
sub specialties (e.g, school nursing, occupational shared challenges, such as addiction
recovery groups, support groups for hypotheses about the community's
health nursing, forensic nursing, home health) health, strengths, and potential health
specific diseases, or mental health
• public health nursing practice "is support communities. problems through this down-to-earth
population-focused, with the goals of promoting ● Advocacy or Cause-Based approach, called shoe leather
health and preventing disease and disability for all Community: Organized around a epidemiology.
specitic cause, such as environmental ● CHN must substantiate these initial
people through the creation of conditions in
protection, human fights, or animal assessments and impressions with
which people can be healthy more concrete or defined data before
• Community and public health nurses practice welfare.
Members work together to promote he or she can formulate a community
disease prevention and health promotion. It is change. diagnosis and plan.
Windshield survey e) Assess readiness for change. Data gathered will turnover of members. This is the result of good
● Community health nurses often heip in the assessment of community interest, group process based on trust, respect, and
perform a community windshield their perception on the importance of the problem. openness.
survey by driving or walking through f) Synthesis data and set priorities. This will c) Establish an ongoing recruitment plan. It
an area and making organized provide a community profile of the needs and should be expected that volunteers may leave the
observations. resources, and will become the basis for designing organization. This requires a built in mechanism
● CHN gain an understanding of the prospective community interventions for health for continuous recruitment and training of new
environmental layout, including promotion. members.
geographic features and locate d) Disseminate results. Continuous feedback to
possible areas of environmental Stage 2: Design and Initiation the community on results of activities enhances
concern through "sight, sense, and In designing and initiating interventions the visibility and acceptance of the organization.
sound." The windshield survey offers following should be done: Dissemination of information is vital to gain and
the nurse an opportunity to observe a) Establish a core planning group and select a maintain community support.
people and their role in the local organizer. Five to eight committed members
community... of the community may be selected to do the Stage 5: Dissemination - Reassessment
● Direct observational methods, certain planning and management of the program. The Continuous assessment is part of the monitoring
public health tools become essential to skill of the local organizer is vital to the program aspect in the management of the program.
an aggregate-focused nursing practice. success. In fact, his management skills -good Formative evaluation is done to provide timely
● analysis of demographic information listening and conflict resolution skills are crucial modification of strategies and activities. However,
and statistical data provides in the selection of the local organizer. before any programs reach its final step,
descriptive information. b) Choose an organizational structure. There are evaluation is done for future direction.
Windshield survey several organization structures which can be a) Update the community analysis. Is there is a
● Community vitality utilized to activate community participation. change in leadership, resources and participation?
● Indicators of social economic These include the following: This may necessitate reorganization and new
conditions • Leadership board or council - existing local collaboration with other organizations.
○ Health resources leaders working for a common cause. b) Assess effectiveness of interventions/programs.
● Environmental conditions related to • Coalition - linking organizations and groups to Quantitative and qualitative methods of
health work on community is-sues. evaluation can be used to determine participation,
● Social functioning • "Lead" or official agency - a single agency support and behavior change level of
● Attitudes towards health and health takes the primary responsibility of a liaison for decision-making and other factors deemed
care health promotion activities in the community. important to the program.
• Grass-roots - informal structures in the c) Chart future directories and modifications. This
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING (compare with community like the neighborhood residents. may mean revision of goals and objectives and
COPAR) • Citizen panels - a group of citizens (5-10) development of new strategies. Revitalization of
Studies have underscored some key elements of emerge to form a partnership with a government collaboration and networking may be vital in
the community which may be reactivated to bring agency. support of new ventures.
social and behavioral change. These include • Networks and consortia - Network develop d) Summarize and disseminate results. Some
social organizations (relationships, structure and because of certain con-cerns. organizations die because of the Jack of visibility.
resources), ideology (knowledge, beliefs and c) Identify, select and recruit organizational Thus, a dissemination plan maybe helpful in
attitudes) and change agents. This process of members. As much as possible, different groups, diffusion of information to further boost support
change is often termed as "empowerment" or organizations sectors should be represented. to the organization's endeavor.
building the capability of people for future Chosen representative have power for the groups Among the more traditional roles of a public
community action. they represent. health nurse are those of a health educator and
d) Define the organization mission and goals. community organizer. Inherent in health
Five stages of Organizing: A Community This will specify the what, who, where, when and promotion and disease prevention is the ability of
Health Promotion Model extent of the organizational objectives. the public health nurse to educate and organize
The five stage model has identified key e) Clarify roles and responsibilities of people people so they can participate in building
elements/tasks to be performed in each step. involved in the organization. This is done to healthier communities. As such,a greater
However, it should be noted that activities and establish a smooth working relationship and avoid understanding of the concepts of health
tasks may be repeated in succeeding stages and overlapping of responsibilities. promotion, health education, communication
that overlapping of stages is common. f) Provide training and recognition. Active process, and community organizing is a must for
involvement in planning and management of the public health nurse
Stage 1: Community Analysis programs may require skills development
"The process of assessing and defining needs, training. Recognition of the program's EPIDEMIOLOGY
opportunities and resources involved in initiating accomplishment and individual's contribution to ● Epidemiology is the study of
community health action program (Haglund)." the success of the program and boost morale of occurences and distribution of diseases
This process may be referred to as "community the members. as well as the distribution and
diagnosis," "community needs assessment," determinants of health states or events
"health education planning" and "mapping." Stage 3: Implementation in specified population, and the
This analysis has five components. Implementation put design plans into action. To application of this study to the control
1. A demographic, social and economic profile of do so, the following must be of health problems.
the community derived from secondary data. a) Generate broad citizen participation. There are ● epidemiology, therefore is the
2. Health risk profile (social, behavioral and several ways to generate citizen participation. backbone of the prevention of the
environmental risks). Behavioral risk assessment One of them is organizing task force, who, with disease.
includes dietary habit and other lifestyle concerns appropriate guidance can provide the necessary The Epidemiologic Triangle
like alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Social indicators support. The Epidemiologic Triangle consists of three
of risk are studied because of its associations to b) Develop a sequential work plan. Activities component- host, environment and agent. The
health status and this may include exposure to should be planned sequentially. Of-tentimes, plan model implies that each must be analyzed and
long-term unemployment, low education and has to be modified as events unfold. Community understood for comprehensions and prediction of
isolation. members may have to constantly monitor patterns of a disease.
3. Health/wellness outcomes profile implementation steps.
(morbidity/mortality data). c) Use comprehensive, integrated strategies.
4. Survey of current health promotion programs. Generally the program utilize more than one
5. Studies conducted in certain target groups. strategles that must complement each other.
Steps in community analysis d) Integrate community values into the programs,
a) Define the Community. Determine the materials and messages. The community
geographic boundaries of the target community. language, values and norms have to be
This is usually done in consultation with incorporated into the program.
representatives of the various sectors.
b) Collect data. As earlier mentioned, several Stage 4: Program Maintenance - Consolidation
types of data have to be collected and analyzed. The program at this point has experienced some
c) Assess community capacity. This entails an degree of success and has weathered through
evaluation of the "driving forces" which may implementation problems. The organization and
facilitate or impede the advocated change. program is gaining acceptance in the community. The HOST is any organism that harbors and
Current programs have to be assessed including To maintain and consolidate gains of the program, provides nourishment for another organism.
the potential of the various types of leaders/ the following are esential: AGENT is the intrinsic property of
influential, organization and programs. a) Integrate intervention activities into community microorganism to survive and multiply in the
d) Assess community barriers. Are there features networks. This can be affected through environment to produce disease.
of the new program which run counter to existing implementation problems. The organization and ENVIRONMENT is the sum total of all external
customs and traditions? Is the community resilient program is gaining acceptance in the community. condition and influences that affects the
to change? b) Establish a positive organizational culture. A development of an organism which can be
positive environment is a critical element in biological, social and physical.
maintaining cooperation and preventing fast
CONCEPT OF COMMUNITY ● Location and the dimension of time and industries, and can locate possible areas of
Communities can be broadly categorized based on : define communities. environmental concern through “sight, sense, and
● common interests The community's character and health sound.”
● geography problems evolve over time.
● Informant interview
● relationships Social System
● Geographic Community: Based on ● third major feature of a community - A key informant is a formal or informal leader in
location, like neighborhoods, cities, or ● relationships that community members the community who provides data that are informed
regions where people live and interact form with one another. by his or her personal knowledge and experience
daily. ● Community members fulfill the with the community.
● Interest-Based Community: People who essential functions of community by - Talks to the community people
share a particular interest or passion interacting in groups. -
● Cultural or Ethnic Community: Formed ● functions provide socialization, role
● Community forum
around shared cultural - heritage, fulfillment, goal achievement, and
ethnicity, or nationality, often preserving member support. - The First Approach is to gather data, interview key
traditions, languages, and values ● Therefore a community is a complex informants in the community. Knowledgeable
● Professional Community: Based on social system, and its interacting residents, elected officials, or health care providers.
shared professions or careers, E members constitute various subsystems - Second approach; hold community forums to
Religious Community: Centers on shared within the community. These subsystems discuss selected questions.
religious beliefs or are interrelated and interdependent. - Third Approach is the focus groups; these can be
practices,
very effective in gathering community views,
● Virtual/Online Community, Based
entirely online, where people interact particularly for remote and vulnerable segments of a
through forums, social média, or online community and for those with underdeveloped
platforms. opinions (Hildebrandt, 1999).
● Educational Community: Tied to 8. Secondary data sources
educational institutions, ike schools or ● Registry of vital
universities, Including students, staff, - The official registration records of births, deaths,
and sometimes families
marriages, divorces, and adoptions form data in vital
● Support or Recovery Community:
Created to support members through statistics. Every year, city, country, and state health
shared challenges, such as addiction departments aggregate and report these events for
recovery groups, support groups for the preceding year. When compared with those from
specific diseases, or mental health previous years, vital statistics provide indicators of
support communities. population growth or reduction.
● Advocacy or Cause-Based
Assessing the Community: Sources Of Data - The recording in the appropriate civil registers,
Community: Organized around a specitic
● CHN becomes familiar with the vital acts and events that affect the civil status of
cause, such as environmental protection,
community and begins to understand its individuals.
human fights, or animal welfare.
nature by traveling through the area
Members work together to promote ● Events
● establish certain hunches or hypotheses
change. - Vital acts and events are the births, deaths, fetal
about the community's health, strengths,
● Lifestyle Community: Formed around deaths, marriages, and all such events that have
and potential health problems through
a particular lifestyle or choice, like vegan something to do with an individual's entrance and
this down-to-earth approach, called shoe
communities, fitness groups, or tiny
leather epidemiology. departure from life together with the changes in civil
home living enthusiasts.
● CHN must substantiate these initial status that may occur to a person during his lifetime.
Characteristics of a Healthy Community
assessments and impressions with more Recording of these events in the civil register is
1. A shared sense of being in a
concrete or defined data before he or she
community based on history and values. known as vital or civil registration, and the resulting
can formulate a community diagnosis
2. A general feeling of empowerment and documents are called vital record
and plan.
control over maters that affect the ● Health records and reports
Windshield survey
community as a whole. - It refers to the clinical data collected during patient
● Community health nurses often perform
3. Existing structures that allow subgroups
a community windshield survey by care, including electronic health records (EHRs) and
within the community to participate in
driving or walking through an area and reports generated by healthcare facilities. It often
decision making in community mätters.
making organized observations. summarizes findings from various health
4. The ability to cope with a change,
● CHN gain an understanding of the
solve problems and manage conflicts assessments, surveys, or studies conducted within a
environmental layout, including
within the community through community. These records provide insights into:
geographic features and locate possible
acceptable means ● Patient demographics
areas of environmental concern through
5. Open channels of communication and
"sight, sense, and sound." The ● Health conditions
cooperation among members of the
windshield survey offers the nurse an ● Treatment histories
community.
opportunity to observe people and their ● Utilization of healthcare services
6. Equitable and efficient use of community
role in the community... Sources: EHRs, Local Health Surveys, and Public
resources with the view towards
● Direct observational methods, certain
sustaining natural resources. Health Surveillance Systems.
public health tools become essential to
Components of a Community ● Disease registries
an aggregate-focused nursing practice.
Nature of Community These are organized systems that collect, store, and
● analysis of demographic information
Many dimensions describe the nature of community.
and statistical data provides descriptive manage data about individuals diagnosed with
These include an
information. specific diseases. These can be population-based or
● aggregate of people- The "who" - they
Windshield survey hospital-based.
share personal characteristics and risks
● Community vitality
● a location in space and time-The "where" ● Population-based registries track all cases of a
● Indicators of social economic
and "when" - physical location disease within a defined geographic area, allowing
conditions
frequently delineated by boundaries and for comprehensive epidemiological studies.
○ Health resources
influenced by the passage of time ● Hospital-based registries focus on patients treated
● Environmental conditions related to
● a social system -The "why" and "how":
health at specific healthcare facilities, aiding in quality
interrelationships of aggregates fulfilling
● Social functioning improvement and clinical research.
community functions
● Attitudes towards health and health care Sources: Health Departments, Hospitals and
Aggregate of People
● An aggregate is a community composed Healthcare Facilities, and National Health
L. Community Health Assessment Tools
of people who have common Programs.
characteristics. For example, members of 7. Collecting primary data
● Census data
a community may share residence in the ● Observation
It is collected by national statistical agencies, such
same city, membership in the same - ocular survey/ windshield survey
religious organization, or similar as the Philippine Statistics Authority, and provides
- This involves directly watching and noting the
demographic characteristics such as age comprehensive demographic information about a
conditions and behaviors within a community.
and ethnic background population. This includes:
- It's often used to understand environmental factors,
● A community of solution may form ● Population size and density
health behaviors, and social interactions.
when a common problem unites ● Age distribution
individuals. Although people may have ● Survey
● Racial and ethnic composition
little else in common with each other, - Surveys involve asking community members
● Socioeconomic status (income levels, education
their desire to redress problems brings questions to gather quantitative and qualitative data
them together attainment)
about their health status, behaviors, and needs. This
Location in Space and Time PSA (Philippines Statistics Authority) is the primary
can be done through questionnaires, interviews, or
A community is an entity delineated by geopolitical source for census data in the Philippines. You can
focus groups.
this view best exemplifies the dimension of location. access various census reports and datasets through
Census tracts -subdivide larger communities. ● Windshield Survey
their official website.
information a cilitate the canation ge oespent - a community windshield survey by driving or
(NDHS) National Demographic and Health Survey
locales. walking through an area and making organized
is conducted by the PSA, and it provides
● geographic community can encompass observations.
less formalized areas that lack official comprehensive demographic and health
- The nurse can gain an understanding of the
geopolitical boundaries. information.
environmental layout, including geographic features
and the location of agencies, services, businesses,
Local Government Units often have access to reflecting society’s institutions, informal groups and -Training and Implementation; The Omaha System
localized census data and can provide insights aggregates.” is incorporated into training programs for
specific to your community. Shuster and Goeppinger (2004) suggested a flexible community nurses, emphasizing its role in
9. Methods to present community data process using the nominal group enhancing rehabilitation practices. Training manuals
M. Community Diagnosis technique wherein each group member has an equal developed by organizations like the WHO include
Types voice in decision making, thereby the Omaha System as a core component for
TRADITIONAL avoiding control of the process by the more educating healthcare providers on effective
1.COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY dominant members of the group. community nursing practices.
DIAGNOSIS As suggested by Shuster and Goeppinger (2004), the Benefits of the Omaha System
● Aims to obtain general information about the following steps are carried out: - Comprehensive Evaluation: It allows for a holistic
community 1. From a scale of 1 to 10, being the lowest, the assessment of patients by considering multiple
2. PROBLEM-ORIENTED members give each criterion a weight based on their aspects of health.
COMMUNITY DIAGNOSIS perception of a weight based on their perception of - Guided Interventions: The structured approach
● Respond to a particular need its degree of importance in solving the problem. helps nurses implement targeted interventions that
PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH (PAR) 2. From a scale of 1 to 10, being the lowest, each are evidence-based.
Stage 1: Community Analysis member rates the criteria in terms of the likelihood - Outcome Measurement: The ability to
"The process of assessing and defining needs, of the group being able to influence or change the quantitatively measure outcomes supports
opportunities and resources involved in initiating situation. continuous quality improvement in nursing practice.
community health action program (Haglund)." This 3. Collate the weights (from step 1) and ratings N. Planning Community Health intervention
process may be referred to as "community (from step 2) made by the members of the group. 2. Priority setting
diagnosis," "community needs assessment,""health 4. Compute the total priority score of the problem ● WHO Special consideration
education planning" and "mapping.” by multiplying collated weight and rating of each 1. Significance of the problem
THIS ANALYSIS HAS FIVE COMPONENTS criterion. - is based on the number of people in the community
1. A demographic, social and economic profile of 5. The priority score of the problem is calculated by affected by the problem or condition.
the community derived from secondary data. adding the products obtained in step 4. If the concerns are:
2. Health risk profile (social, behavioral and After repeating the process on all identified health DISEASE CONDITION – this may be estimated in
environmental risks). problems, compare the total priority scorejs of the terms of its prevalence rate.
3. Health/wellness outcomes profile problems. The problem with the highest total POTENTIAL PROBLEM – its significance is
(morbidity/mortality data). priority score is assigned top priority, the next determined by estimating the number of people at
4. Survey of current health promotion programs. highest is assigned to second, and so on. risk of developing the condition.
5. Studies conducted in certain target groups . ● Omaha system 2. The level of community awareness and the
STEPS IN COMMUNITY ANALYSIS The Omaha System is a comprehensive and priority its members give to the health concern is a
a) Define the Community. standardized framework utilized in community MAJOR consideration. Related to the priority that
b) Collect data. health nursing to assess, plan, implement, and the community gives to the health concern, Shuster
c) Assess community capacity. evaluate nursing care. Recognized by the American and Goeppinger (2004) also mention community
d) Assess community barriers. Nurses Association, it consists of three interrelated motivation to deal with the condition.
e) Assess readiness for change. components: a Problem Classification Scheme, an 3. Ability to reduce risk
f) Synthesis data and set priorities. Intervention Scheme, and a Problem Rating Scale - is related to the availability of expertise among the
Stage 2: Design and Initiation for Outcomes. This system is designed to enhance health team and the community itself.
In designing and initiating interventions the documentation, improve communication among - Involves the health team’s level of influence in
following should be done: healthcare providers, and facilitate quality decision making related to actions in resolving the
a) Establish a improvement in patient care across various settings, community health concern.
b) Choose an organizational structure. including home care and public health. 4. Cost of reducing risk
c) Identify, select and recruit organizational - The nurse has to consider economic, social, and
members. Components of the Omaha System ethical requisites and consequences of planned
d) Define the organization mission and goals. 1. Problem Classification Scheme (PCS): actions.
e) Clarify roles and responsibilities of people - This component involves identifying and 5. Ability to identify the target population
involved in the organization. categorizing patient problems across four domains: - For the intervention is a matter of availability of
f) Provide training and recognition. environmental, psychosocial, physiological, and data sources, such as FHSIS, census, survey reports,
Stage 3: Implementation health-related behaviors. Each problem is assessed and case-finding or screening tools.
Implementation puts design plans into action. To do based on specific signs and symptoms, focusing on 6. Availability of resources
so, the following must be done: the individual, family, or community level. - to intervene the reduction of risk entails
a) Generate broad citizen participation. 2. Intervention Scheme: technological, financial, and other material
b) Develop a sequential work plan. - The intervention scheme outlines specific actions resources of the community, the nurse, and the
c) Use comprehensive, integrated strategies. to address identified problems. It includes categories health agency.
d) Integrate community values into the programs, such as health teaching, case management,
materials and messages. treatments, and procedures. This structured For a realistic and useful outcome, the
Stage 4: Program Maintenance - Consolidation . approach allows nurses to tailor interventions based priority-setting process requires the joint effort of
The program at this point has experienced some on individual patient needs. the community, the nurse, and other stakeholders,
degree of success and has weathered through 3. Problem Rating Scale for Outcomes: such as the other members of the health team.
implementation problems. The organization and - This scale measures the effectiveness of - The group defines guidelines for discussion,
program is gaining acceptance in the community. interventions by evaluating changes in patient status particularly on the manner of reconciling differences
To maintain and consolidate gains of the program, across various dimensions (knowledge, behavior, of opinion.
the following are essential: and overall health) using a Likert scale. It provides - Shuster and Goeppinger (2004) suggested a
a) Integrate intervention activities into community quantitative data that can be used to assess the flexible process using the nominal group technique
networks. impact of nursing care. wherein each group member has an equal voice in
b) Establish a positive organizational culture. decision making, thereby avoiding control of the
c) Establish an ongoing recruitment plan. Application in Community Health Nursing process by the more dominant members of the
d) Disseminate results. The Omaha System has been effectively applied in group.
Stage 5: Dissemination - Reassessment community health settings to improve patient - This technique is appropriate for brainstorming
Continuous assessment is part of the monitoring outcomes through structured assessments and and ranking ideas, when consensus-building is
aspect in the management of the program. interventions. For instance, studies have shown its desired over making a choice based on the opinion
Formative evaluation is done to provide timely utility in managing chronic conditions such as of the majority
modification of strategies and activities. stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - The group makes a list of the identified
a) Update the community analysis. (COPD). In these contexts, community nurses community health problems or conditions. Each of
b) Assess effectiveness of interventions/programs. conduct comprehensive evaluations using the the identified problems is treated separately
c) Chart future directories and modifications. Omaha framework to identify health issues and according to a set of criteria agreed upon by the
d) Summarize and disseminate results. develop individualized care plans. group such as those suggested by the WHO.
● Schemes in stating Community Diagnosis
NANDA -Case Studies: Research conducted in Nanchang, ● Formulating goals and objectives
- An acronym for the North American Nursing China demonstrated that using the Omaha System - Goals are the desired outcomes at the end of
Diagnosis Association. resulted in significant improvements in patients' interventions, whereas objectives are the short-term
- Focused more on individual rather that community health outcomes after one year of intervention. The changes in the community that are observed as the
responses to health conditions structured home visits facilitated ongoing health team and the community work towards the
assessment and adjustment of care plans based on attainment of goals.
● SHUSTER AND GOEPPINGER patient feedback and evolving health needs. - Objectives serve as instructions, defining what
Shuster and Goeppinger- “a locality-based entity, should be detected in the community as
composed of systems of formal organizations interventions are being implemented.
- Specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and patterns within a community. Examples of these - The team encourages all active community
time-bound (SMART) objectives provide a solid records include: members to come together and identify strategies to
basis for monitoring and evaluation. - Hospital and Clinic Records: Information on reduce/ solve their health concerns.
patient visits, diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes. - Step 7: Implement improvement plans
This data can help identify common health issues - All community members, as much as possible,
● Deciding on community intervention/ action plan and trends in healthcare needs. must be involved headed by their active members.
- The group analyzed the reasons for the people’s - Public Health Surveillance Reports: Reports from The team facilitates the implementation.
health behavior and directs strategies to respond to ongoing monitoring of diseases such as tuberculosis, - Step 8: Evaluate progress
the underlying causes. dengue, and influenza, which allow for early - The team and the community as well determine
- In the process of developing the plan, the group identification and response to outbreaks. whether the objective sets were implemented as
takes into consideration the demographic, - Immunization Records: Data on vaccination planned. How much resources (time, money, effort,
coverage for diseases like measles, polio, and facilities) were utilized for the execution of the plan
psychological, social, cultural, and economic
hepatitis B, which is crucial for assessing herd K. Community Diagnosis
characteristics of the target population on one hand immunity and planning vaccination drives. • is a critical process that helps identify the health
and the available health resources on the other hand. - Maternal and Child Health Records: Reports on needs of a community, guide interventions, and
prenatal visits, births, infant health, and child evaluate health outcomes.Community diagnosis
J. Community Health Assessment Tools nutrition provide insights into maternal and child integrates data collection, assessment, problem
​4. Collecting Primary Data health status and needs. identification, and action planning, allowing public
• Observation • Disease Registries health nurses to create effective strategies for
- Observation of a community may be done through - A list of person’s diagnosed with a specific type of improving community health.
an ocular or windshield survey, either by driving or disease in a defined population. • Data Collection
riding a vehicle or walking through it. This gives the - The data that has been collected through disease • Quantitative Data
nurse a chance to observe people as well as take registries serves as a basis for monitoring, decision • Qualitative Data
note of environmental conditions and existing making, and program management (DOH, 2011). • Community Assessment
community facilities. - The Department of Health has developed and • Identifying Health Problems and Strengths
- For example, the nurse can take note of the general maintained registries for HIV/AIDS and chronic • Developing a Community Health Diagnosis
appearance of people, if they appear healthy, well noncommunicable diseases, particularly cancer, • Setting Priorities and Planning Interventions
nourished, or the opposite. Walking through a diabetes, and stroke (DOH-NEC, 2012; DOH, • Implementation and Evaluation
community also allow nurses to talk with people to 2011). • Traditional Community Diagnosis is a systematic
find out their perceptions of health and health - The Renal Disease Control Program manages the approach used by public health nurses to assess and
services. When it comes to environmental Philippine Renal Disease Registry (NKTI, 2012). address community health needs. This process
conditions, general condition of homes and housing • Census Data involves gathering data on the community's health
density, cleanliness, presence and type of vegetation - A census is a periodic governmental enumeration status, environmental conditions, resources, and
and street animals can be observed on an of the population (Merriam- Webster Online existing health practices. It typically consists of the
ocular/windshield survey. Community resources Dictionary, 2012a). Historically, Batas following key steps:
such as health facilities, barangay halls, school etc. PambansaBlg. 72 provides for a national census of Data Collection:
are easily discernible. population and other related data in the Philippines A. Demographic Information
• Survey every 10 years (Batasang Pambansa, 1980). - Age, Gender, and Ethnic Composition
- Is made up of a series of questions for systematic However, today pursuant to Executive Order 352 - Socioeconomic Status
collection of information from a sample of enumeration of the population thru census is done - Family Structure and Household Composition
individuals or families in a community, it may be every five years (PSA, 2019). The purpose of which B. Morbidity and Mortality Rates
written or oral. It is also appropriate for determining is to ensure updated information is used by both - Morbidity Rates
community attitudes, knowledge, health behaviors, government and private organizations in planning - Mortality Rates
and perceptions of health and health services. It is and decision making. - Incidence and Prevalence
used by the nurse in identifying patterns of - During a census, people may be assigned to a C. Environmental Factors
utilization of health services (Maurer and Smith, locality by de jure or de facto method. De jure - Physical Environment
2009). assignment is based on the legally established place - Access to Services and Resources
- It is useful when the nurse needs information about of residence of people, whereas de facto is - Community Safety
the municipality but the existing information is according to the actual physical location of people D. Qualitative Data Collection
about the entire province, or findings from a (NSCB, 2012). - Lifestyle Behaviors
comprehensive assessment show the need for - The PSA conducts the national census using the de - Cultural Beliefs and Practices
nutritional assessment of the young children in a jure method. The census population consists of E. Social and Community Networks
particular community, for example. Filipino nationals, to include those residing in and - Support Systems
• Informant Interview out of the Philippines, and nationals of other - Community Organizations
- Are purposely talks with the key informants or countries having their usual residence in the F. Evaluating Health Resources and Gaps
ordinary members of the community. Philippines. Demographic characteristics, household - Health Resources
- Consist of formal and informal community leaders size, and data on fertility and mortality are some of - Gaps in Services
such as leaders in local government, schools and the census 120 information that the nurse can utilize Using Community Assessment Data
business for needs assessment. Census data are accessible at - Key Health Issues
- The interview may be structured or unstructured the PSA (website http://www.psa.gov.ph). - At-risk Groups
• Community Forum 6. Methods to Present Community Data - Community Strengths
- Is an open meeting of the members of the • Community data are presented to the health team Identifying Health Problems and Strengths
community (Lundy and Janes, 2009). It does not and the members of the community for the 1. Identifying Health Problems
only give the nurse information on community following purposes: - Prioritizing Health Concerns
perceptions on needs, health, and health care, but it - To inform the health team and the members of the - Assessing Contributing Factors
is also an effective tool in providing the people with community of existing health and health related - Highlighting Risk Factors
a medium for expressing their views and developing conditions in the community in an easily 2. Recognizing Community Strengths
their capacity to influence decision makers. understandable manner. - Community Resources and Infrastructure
- “Pulong pulong sa barangay” is a good example of - To make the members of the community - Social Support Networks
a community forum. appreciate the significance and relevance of health - Cultural Beliefs and Traditions
5. Secondary Data Sources information to their lives. 3. Analyzing Community Readiness and Resilience
• Registry of Vital Events - To solicit broader support and participate in the - Community Readiness
- Act 3753 (Civil Registration Law, Philippine community health process. - Resilience Factors
Legislature, 1930): established the civil registry - To validate findings. 4. Setting Health Goals Based on Problems and
system in the Philippines and requires the - To allow for a wider perspective in the analysis of Strengths
registration of vital events such as births, marriages, data. - Problem-Oriented Goals
and deaths. - To provide a basis for better decision making. - Strength-Oriented Goals
- Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code): • Eight steps to community health needs assessment: Examples of How Health Problems and Strengths
assigned the function of civil registration to local - Step 1: Identify and engage stakeholders Work Together
governments and mandated the appointment of - Step 2: Define the community • Problem
Local Civil Registrars. - Step 3: Collect and analyze data • Strength
- National Statistics Office (NSO): serves as the - This step answers the questions; What is the • Strategy
central repository of civil registries and the NSO appropriate data to be collected? Are these data • Problem
Administrator and the Civil Registrar General of the primary or secondary? The nurse and the • Strength
Philippines before 2014. community needs assessment team decide on the • Strategy
- R.A. 10625 or Philippine Statistical Act of 2013: timeliness of data completeness, accuracy, precision, Developing a Community Health Diagnosis
all of the functions of NSO are now under the PSA. relevance and adequacy. 1. Synthesizing Data into a Diagnosis Statement
- The birth of a child should be registered within 30 - - Problem Identification
days from the occurrence of the birth at the Local - - Population Focus
Civil Registry Office of City or Municipality where - - Identifying Contributing Factors
the birth occurred. (NOS, 2020) - Step 4: Select priority community health issues 2. Using a Standardized Format for Community
- Presidential Decree 856 (Sanitation Code; Office - The team determines which problem is of Diagnosis
of the President, Republic of the Philippines, 1975): important to the community, level of awareness, - Problem/Health Issue
requires a death certificate before burial of the ability to reduce risk, and how much will it costs, - Affected Population
deceased. ability to identify the target population and - Etiological or Contributing Factors
• Health Records and Reports availability of resources. - Supporting Evidence
- Health records and reports are essential sources of - Step 5: Document and communicate 3. Differentiating Between Actual and Potential
community health information, typically collected - This step is done through community assembly Health Problems
by healthcare facilities and local health departments. where all community health concerns are presented - Actual Health Problems
They provide valuable insights into the health status, and how they will act on those concerns. - Potential or At-Risk Problems
disease prevalence, and healthcare utilization - Step 6: Plan improvement strategies
4. Creating Goals and Objectives Based on the communities by nurses, nursing educators, focus to make lasting progress on issues related to
Diagnosis physicians, and other health care providers. community and economic development.
- Goal Setting - It is a comprehensive and research-based ● CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE
- Objectives classification system for client problems that exists COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
5. Prioritizing Health Problems for Intervention in the public domain, meaning it is not held under -Leadership
- Severity and Impact on Population copyright. -Aligned vision
- Feasibility and Resources - The classification system has three components -Roles, Responsibility and accountability
- Community Interest and Support that are to be used together. -Framework for Culture and Values
6. Guiding Intervention Planning with the Diagnosis 1. A problem classification scheme -Communication
- Targeted Interventions - The first component of the Omaha classification ● Collaboration
- Collaboration with Community Partners system. Serves as a guide in collecting, classifying, -It is a process of participation through which
Setting Priorities and Planning Interventions analyzing, documenting, and communicating health people, groups, an organiza ons work together to
1. Setting Priorities and health-related needs and strengths. achieve desired results.
- Severity and Urgency - The identified problems or areas of concern are -Collaborations also involve the sharing of resources
- Feasibility and Resources classified in four levels: and responsibilities to jointly plan, implement and
- Community Preferences and Engagement - The first and most general level of classification is evaluate programs to achieve common goals.
- Potential for Improvement composed of four domains: -Members of the collaboration must be willing to
2. Planning Interventions a. Environmental share vision,mission, power, resources and goals.
- Developing Goals and Objectives o Material resources and physical surroundings both -The goal of collaboration is to bring individuals,
- Choosing Evidence-Based Strategies inside and outside the living area,neighborhood and agencies,organizations and community members
- Identifying Resources and Collaborations broader community. themselves together in an atmosphere of support to
- Establishing Timelines o Income systematically solve existing and emerging
3. Developing a Comprehensive Intervention Plan o Sanitation problems that could not easily be solved by one
- Detailing Activities o Residence group alone.
- Assigning Roles and Responsibilities o Neighborhood/workplace safety
- Creating a Budget b. Psychosocial • Principles of Collaboration
4. Ensuring Community Involvement and Cultural o Patterns of behavior, emotion,communication, -Start with a unifying purpose.
Relevance relationships and development. -Create, maintain and revisit Mission and Vision
- Cultural Adaptations of Interventions o Communication with community resources statements
- Community Empowerment o Sexuality -Set measurable goals and objectives
5. Setting Evaluation Metrics for Each Intervention o Social contact -Set high expectations
- Process Indicators o Role Change -As a group, identify leaders for the collaboration
- Outcome Indicators o Interpersonal Relationship who are open minded, willing to share leadership
- Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment o Spirituality and empower others.
Implementation and Evaluation o Growth and Development -Show respect for members of the collaboration
1. Implementation o Grief -Foster open and honest communication
- Carrying Out Planned Activities o Mental health -Obtain feedback and evaluate the efforts of the
- Engaging Community Members o Caretaking/Parenting collaboration.
- Collaborating with Partners o Neglect • Benefits of collaboration
- Adapting to Challenges o Abuse -Obtain feedback and evaluate the efforts of the
- Tracking Progress c. Physiological collaboration.
2. Evaluation o Functions and processes that maintain life. -Opportunities for professional development
- Setting Clear Evaluation Metrics o Hearing - Improved communication and enhanced
- Process Evaluation o Vision information
- Outcome Evaluation o Speech and language -Increase use of programs and resources available in
- Using Data for Future Planning o Oral health the community
- Community Feedback o Cognition -Elimination of duplication
- Reporting and Sharing Results o Pain -Come in many different shapes, sizes and are
3. Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) o Consciousness varying duration
- Data-Driven Adjustments o Skin -Increased availability of resources
- Sustaining Positive Changes o Neuromusculoskeletal function -Improved public image
Participatory Action Research (PAR) o Respiration • Collaborative partnerships - People and
• is highlighted as a collaborative, action-oriented o Circulation organization from multiple sectors working together
approach that is particularly effective for o Digestion/Hydration in common purpose
community health interventions, including o Bowel Function -A collaborative
community diagnosis. Through PAR, community o Urinary Function partnership is
members and public health nurses work together to o Reproductive Function an
identify, address, and solve health problems within o Pregnancy alliance among
the community. This approach aligns well with o Postpartum people and
NANDA's (North American Nursing Diagnosis o Communicable/ Infectious Condition organizations from multiple sectors, such as schools
Association) standardized nursing diagnoses, as it d. Health-related behaviors and businesses working together to achieve a
combines community insights with evidence-based o Patterns of activity that maintain or promote common purposel
nursing frameworks to establish accurate, relevant wellness, promote recovery, and decrease the risk of -In Public health, collaborative partnerships attempt
diagnoses. disease. to improve conditions and outcomes related to
Key Aspects of Participatory Action Research o Nutrition health and wellbeing of entire communities.
(PAR) in Community Diagnosis o Sleep and rest patterns -The distinguishing feature of collaborative
1. Engaging Community Members o Physical activity partnerships for a community is a broad community
- Community Collaboration o Personal care engagement in creating and sustaining conditions
- Empowering the Community o Substance use that promote and maintain behaviors associated with
2. Data Collection with Community Involvement o Family Planning widespread health and wellbeing.
- Culturally Relevant Data o Health care supervision 2. ACTIVITIES INVOLVED IN
- Real-Time Feedback o Medication Regimen COLLABORATION AND ADVOCACY
3. Community-Based Analysis 2. An intervention scheme COLLABORATION is the act of working together
- Identifying NANDA-Based Diagnoses 3. A problem rating scale for outcomes with other people or organizations aiming to achieve
- Setting Priorities The third level, the problem or area of concern is a certain goal.
4. Developing an Action Plan Based on NANDA classified according to two sets of qualifiers. ADVOCACY is the act of public support through
Diagnoses • First the area of concern is categorized into health promoting or defending an idea or plan. It revolves
- Community-Informed Goals promotion, potential problem or actual problem. about raising awareness, influencing decision
- Evidence-Based Interventions • The second is the level of clientele (individual, makers to address issues and bring out positive
5. Implementing and Evaluating the Action Plan family, or community)involved is identified. changes within the community.
through PAR The fourth and the most specific level is made up of STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND
- Monitoring Progress clusters of signs and symptoms that describe the PARTNERSHIPS
- Evaluating Outcomes with NANDA Diagnoses actual problems. • Partnerships and stakeholder engagement are
Examples of PAR in Community Diagnosis Using essential to the success of community health
NANDA 1 IMPORTANCE OF PARTNERSHIP AND interventions. Setting up community meetings and
• Addressing Malnutrition COLLABORATION consultations with community members, local
• Community Involvement - To get the people to work together in order to authorities, and interested organizations that offers a
• Diagnosis address problems / concerns that affects them Gives forum for discussing urgent health concerns,
• Interventions people opportunities to learn skills in group determining needs, and cooperatively investigating
• Outcome relationship, interpersonal relations, critical analysis possible solutions.
Types and decision-making in terms of democratic Establishing partnerships with local organizations,
• Traditional leadership. educational institutions, governmental bodies, and
• Participatory action research (PAR) Schemes in ● COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP non-governmental organizations enables the sharing
stating Community Diagnosis NANDA -It is a collaborative relationship between willing of resources and knowledge, increasing the
• Shuster and Goppingen entities formed to address shared objectives. influence and scope of health programs.
• Omaha system -Effective partnerships leverage the strengths of Furthermore, establishing private-public
- Initially designed for clients in the community each partner and apply it strategically to the issue at partnerships through the involvement of public and
setting. hand. It might take more work,and it might take private organizations aids in obtaining funding and
- The Omaha System has been used as a framework longer, but strong partnerships build the support, creating a long-lasting basis for community
for the care of individuals, families, and relationships, shared understanding, and collective health initiatives.
ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS
• Through targeted workshops on areas like participation and influence in decision making that The people learn to overcome their powerlessness
nutrition, sanitation, and vaccination, advocacy and affects their lives. and develop their capacity to maximize their control
awareness campaigns are essential in teaching the • Organizing and mobilizing a community is over the situation and start to place the future in
public about health issues and preventive oftentimes a cyclical process that comprises their own hands.
behaviours. Free screenings and community health assessment, research, action, and reflection • It is their progressive realization of the power that
fairs offer easily accessible health examinations and SOCIAL MOBILIZATION they possess and the ability to influence the course
informational seminars to raise awareness and • It is the process of bringing together all societal of history that dramatically erodes the dehumanizing
support preventative health care. These initiatives and personal influences to raise awareness of and effects of powerlessness.
are strengthened by media campaigns which utilise demand for health care, assist in the delivery of b. BUILDING RELATIVELY PERMANENT
local TV, radio, newspapers, and social media to resources and services, and cultivate sustainable STRUCTURES AND PEOPLES
educate the public about health interventions and individual and community involvement. ORGANIZATIONS
resources. •In order to employ social mobilization, members of : Embishiy sustaing aims 10 stalies and sultan
TRAINING CAPACITY BUILDING institutions, community partners and organizations, polatively permanent
• Communities are given the information and and others collaborate to reach specific groups of organizational structures that best serve the needs
abilities necessary for long-lasting improvements in people for intentional dialogue. and aspirations of the people.
health through training and capacity building. 4. CORE PRINCIPLES IN COMMUNITY • This structure ensures peoples maximum
Local volunteers and health professionals can act as ORGANIZING participation at the same time they provide the
health champions by providing basic healthcare and • PEOPLE - CENTERED venue through which the people's organizations can
referrals within the community courtesy to training • The basic premise of any community organizing link up with other groups and sectors.
initiatives. endeavor is that the people are the means and ends • Alternative ways of doing things can be tested and
Furthermore, the dissemination of educational of development, and community empowerment is a new system of values can be internalized, so that
resources such as brochures and films, together with the process and the outcome (Felix, localized experiences become the building blocks
training for local leaders, guarantee broad awareness 1998). It is people-centered (firown, 1985) in the upon which the blueprint of a more desirable future
and knowledgeable administration of health sense that the process of critical inquiry is informed is based.
initiatives. by and responds to experiences and needs of the c. IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND marginalized sectors/people. • Manifested by collective involvement in decision
FUNDRAISING • Community organizing is not meant for a making and community action on matters that
• Fundraising and resource mobilization are crucial person-to-person interaction, with only a few who would impact their lives.
to the continuation of community health programs. will benefit from any undertakings and activities. It • Community organizing seeks to secure short and
While community fundraisers create extra support is a people - centered strategy, with emphasis on the long term improvements in the quality life of the
and encourage local involvement, grant applications development of human resources necessitating people.
to government agencies, foundations, and health education for themselves and participating in • The process of mobilization can gain concessions
organisations aid in securing the financing that is processes that affect their lives. for fulfilling basic needs for food, clothing, shelter,
necessary. Medical equipment and supplies are • PARTICIPATIVE education and health.
provided by in-kind donations from companies and • The participation of the community in the entire • In the long term, it must create a conducive
healthcare facilities, process-assessment, planning, implementation, and environment for the development of human
bolstering the resources evaluation should be ensured. creativity and solidarity through equitable
available for • The community is considered as the prime mover distribution of power and resources.
successful health and determinant,
interventions. rather than beneficiaries and recipients of
MONITORING, EVALUATION AND development efforts including health care. The BASIC VALUES IN COMMUNITY
SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING people are well informed about community ORGANIZING
• Assessing the efficacy of health interventions activities and are aware of their potential a. Human Rights - universal principle anchored on
requires monitoring and evaluation, and providing contributions to the common good. the belief of with and dignity of people. Right of
stakeholders with frequent progress updates helps to • For people empowerment, community life, self determination and development.
ensure accountability and openness. The impact of participation is a critical condition for success (Reid, b. Social Justice - equitable access to opportunities.
the intervention on health metrics such as disease 2000). In a community, decision making and Equitable distribution of resources and power.
reduction and service access is measured by responsibility are in the hands of ordinary people, c. Social Responsibility - people should reach out
outcome evaluations, and community input is not just the elite. Dysfunction is not made among through and move jointly with others in meeting
gathered for improvement through feedback different groups and different personalities. common needs and problems.
mechanisms including suggestion boxes and • DEMOCRATIC 6. COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
surveys. Other than this, by forming alliances with • Community organizing should empower the PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH
institutions for continued support and educating disadvantaged population. A. Definition
local staff to run programs, sustainability planning •In order to employ social mobilization, members of • A collective, participatory, transformative,
guarantees the sustainability of these projects. institutions, community partners and organizations, liberative, sustained and systematic process of
Furthermore, promoting long-term funding involves and others collaborate to reach specific groups of building people's organizations by mobilizing and
legislators and funders to obtain financial support people for intentional dialogue. enhancing the capabilities and resources of the
for long-term effects. 4. CORE PRINCIPLES IN COMMUNITY people for the resolution of their issues and concerns
3. COMMUNITY ORGANIZING AND SOCIAL ORGANIZING towards effecting change in their existing oppressive
MOBILIZATION • PEOPLE - CENTERED and exploitative conditions (1994 National Rural
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING • The basic premise of any community organizing Conference).
• It is the process of building power through endeavor is that the people are the means and ends B. Process
involving a constituency in identifying problems of development, and community empowerment is The sequence of steps whereby members of a
they share and the solutions to those problems that the process and the outcome (Felix, community come together to critically assess to
they desire; identifying the people and structures 1998). It is people-centered (firown, 1985) in the evaluate community conditions and work together to
that can make those solutions possible; enlisting sense that the process of critical inquiry is informed improve those conditions.
those targets inthe effort through negotiation and by and responds to experiences and needs of the C. Structure
using confrontation and pressure when needed; and marginalized sectors/people. Refers to a particular group of community members
building an institution that is democratically • Community organizing is not meant for a that work together for a common health and health
controlled by that constituency that can develop the person-to-person interaction, with only a few who related goals.
capacity to take on further problems and that will benefit from any undertakings and activities. It D. Emphasis
embodies the will and the power of that is a people - centered strategy, with emphasis on the • Community working to solve its own problem.
constituency. development of human resources necessitating • Direction is established internally and externally.
• It is a process of educating the people to let them education for themselves and participating in • Development and implementation of a specific
understand and develop their critical awareness of processes that affect their lives. project is less important than the development of the
existing conditions. • PARTICIPATIVE capacity of the community to establish the project.
• Community organizing strategies include meeting • The participation of the community in the entire • Consciousness raising involves perceiving health
with corporate or government decision makers to process-assessment, planning, implementation, and and medical care within the total structure of
hold them accountable for their actions, designing evaluation should be ensured. society.
programs for others (not the group) to implement • The community is considered as the prime mover E. Importance
that meet the needs of the community, and and determinant, • an important tool for community development and
aggressive group action to block negative rather than beneficiaries and recipients of people empowerment as this helps the community
developments or behaviors. development efforts including health care. The workers to generate community participation
• Community organizing, method of engaging and people are well informed about community indevel peparties 10 eventuly take over the
empowering people with the purpose of increasing activities and are aware of their potential management of development programs in the future.
the influence of groups historically contributions to the common good. • maximizes community participation and
underrepresented in policies and decision making • For people empowerment, community involvement; community resources are mobilized
that affect their lives participation is a critical condition for success (Reid, for community services.
• Community organizing is both a tactic to address 2000). In a community, decision making and F. Principles
specific problems and issues and a longer-term responsibility are in the hands of ordinary people, • People especially the most oppressed, exploited
engagement and empowerment strategy. not just the elite. Dysfunction is not made among and deprived sectors are open to change, have the
Longer-term objectives of community organizing different groups and different personalities. capacity to change and are able to bring about
are to develop the internal capabilities and to • DEMOCRATIC change.
increase the decision-making power and influence • Community organizing should empower the • COPAR should be based on the interest of the
of underrepresented groups. disadvantaged population. poorest sector of the community.
Community organizing is often a place-based • COPAR should lead to a self-reliant community
activity, used in low- income and minority a. PEOPLES EMPOWERMENT and society.
neighborhoods. It is also used among common • Allows them to develop their capacity to maximize G. Critical Steps
interest-based "communities" of people, such as their control over the situation. 1. Integration
new immigrant groups, who have limited • Community organizing is aimed at achieving 2. Social Investigation
effective power of the people. 3. Tentative program planning
4. Groundwork organization-building phase are already expected to
5. Meeting be functioning by way of planning, implementing
6. Role Play and evaluating their own programs, with the overall
7. Mobilization or action guidance from the community-wide organization.
8. Evaluation
9. Reflection Key Activities
10. Organization • Training of CHO for monitoring and implementing
PHASES OF COPAR: community health programs.
1. Pre-Entry Phase: the initial phase of the • Identification of secondary leaders.
organizing process where the community organizer • Linkaging and networking.
looks for communities to serve and help. Activities • Conduct of mobilization on health and
include: development concerns.
• Preparation of the Institution • Implementation of livelihood projects.
• Train faculty and students in COPAR.
•Formulate plans for institutionalizing COPAR.
• Revise/enrich curriculum and immersion program.
• Coordinate participants of other departments.
• Site Selection
• Initial networking with local government.
• Conduct preliminary special investigation.
• Make a long/short list of potential communities.
• Do ocular survey of listed communities.
• Criteria for Initial Site Selection
• Must have a population of 100-200 families.
• Economically depressed.No strong resistance from
the community.
• No serious peace and order problem.
• No similar group or organization holding the same
program.
• Identifying Potential Municipalities
• Make long/short list of potential municipalities
• Identifying Potential Community
• Do the same process as in selecting a municipality.
• Consult key informants and residents.
• Coordinate with local government and NGOs for
future activities.
• Choosing Final Community
• Conduct informal interviews with community
residents and key informants.
• Determine the need of the program in the
community.
• Take note of political development.
• Develop community profiles for secondary data.
• Develop survey tools.
• Pay courtesy call to community leaders.
• Choose foster families based on guidelines
Identifying Host Family
• House is strategically located in the community.
• Should not belong to the rich segment.
• Respected by both formal and informal leaders.
• Neighbors are not hesitant to enter the house.
• No member of the host family should be moving
out in the community.
2. Entry Phase: sometimes called the social
preparation phase. Is crucial in determining which
strategies for organizing would suit the chosen
community. Success of the activities depend on how
much the community organizers have integrated
with the community.
• Guidelines for Entry
• Recognize the role of local authorities by paying
them visits to inform their presence and activities.
• Her appearance, speech, behavior and lifestyle
should be in keeping with those of the community
residents without disregard of their being role
models.
• Avoid raising the consciousness of the community
residents; adopt a low-key profile.
Activities in the Entry Phase
• Integration. Establishing rapport with the people in
continuing effort to imbibe community life.
o living with the community
o seek out to converse with people where they
usually congregate
• lend a hand in household chores
• avoid gambling and drinking
• Deepening social investigation/community study
community assembly
Core Group Formation
• Leader spotting through sociogram.
• Key Persons. Approached by most people
• Opinion Leader. Approached by key persons
• Isolates. Never or hardly consulted

3. Organization-building Phase: it is at this phase

where the organized leaders or groups are being
given training (formal, informal, OJT) to develop
their style in managing their own
concerns/programs.
Key Activities
• Community Health Organization (CHO)
• preparation of legal requirements
• guidelines in the organization of the CHO by the
core group election of officers
: Planning Commitmitee
••
Health Committee Organization
Others
Formation of by-laws by the CHO
4. Sustenance and Strengthening Phase: At this
point, the different committees setup in the