Cell Journal 1 - WAH Community Health Needs Assessment
Four Diseases Chosen in Class
- Cancer
- Health Literacy
- Behavioral Health
- Maternal and Child Health
We chose these diseases based on their relevance to the community according to WAH's Community Health Needs Assessment. Although we feared being redundant by sharing information about breast cancer--which is a common topic discussed--it is beneficial to reiterate and emphasize information in order for it to have considerable impact. Breast cancer, for example, continues to be on the rise within the community and therefore should be regarded by the community as an important issue. We may discuss why certain forms of cancer are rising within the community (which also includes thyroid cancer), risk factors, prevention, and treatment for such diseases.
Health literacy will be extremely beneficial to discuss as Ashley mentioned during class, patients do not know what kinds of questions they should be asking in a medical setting and is therefore the prerogative of the health care professional to bring patients to a standard level of understanding of medical/healthcare terms. Health literacy will enhance communication between doctor and patient and better communication will translate into a better experience by the patient in a hospital-setting.
Mental health and substance abuse are subcategories of behavioral health. According to the WAH'S Community Health Needs Assessment, mental health is the major cause of disability and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Mental health includes the levels of depression and anxiety patients may be experiencing as well as suicidal thoughts that may be occurring. Substance abuse has a critical affect on a patients mental and physical health, which impacts the community as a whole. During class we discussed we may discuss the way a caretaker should behave towards a patient who is behaving in response to a traumatic illness. This will promote whole-patient care as we approach patients not solely from a biological standpoint but also according to their behavioral, social, and emotional nature.
During class, we were unable to narrow down Maternal and Child Health to a specific topic we may discuss. However, according to WAH's statistics, it appears maternal mortality is increasing and it would therefore be beneficial for the community if we approach this topic. Perhaps we could investigate the reason for the increase in maternal mortality and risk factors associated.
Health literacy will be extremely beneficial to discuss as Ashley mentioned during class, patients do not know what kinds of questions they should be asking in a medical setting and is therefore the prerogative of the health care professional to bring patients to a standard level of understanding of medical/healthcare terms. Health literacy will enhance communication between doctor and patient and better communication will translate into a better experience by the patient in a hospital-setting.
Mental health and substance abuse are subcategories of behavioral health. According to the WAH'S Community Health Needs Assessment, mental health is the major cause of disability and suicide is the 10th leading cause of death. Mental health includes the levels of depression and anxiety patients may be experiencing as well as suicidal thoughts that may be occurring. Substance abuse has a critical affect on a patients mental and physical health, which impacts the community as a whole. During class we discussed we may discuss the way a caretaker should behave towards a patient who is behaving in response to a traumatic illness. This will promote whole-patient care as we approach patients not solely from a biological standpoint but also according to their behavioral, social, and emotional nature.
During class, we were unable to narrow down Maternal and Child Health to a specific topic we may discuss. However, according to WAH's statistics, it appears maternal mortality is increasing and it would therefore be beneficial for the community if we approach this topic. Perhaps we could investigate the reason for the increase in maternal mortality and risk factors associated.
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