Working with Communities to Improve Health

Module code: NUR7056-B

Module Aims

(1) To develop an in-depth critical awareness of the principles of community development
(2) Synthesise theoretical frameworks and research knowledge to explore the factors that foster sustainability of communities, maintenance of independence and empowerment, to enable effective partnership in health care delivery and its role in health promotion and public health practice.

Outline Syllabus

Concept of community: community development and its barriers, local and national policies with respect to community development, citizenship.
Lay perspectives on health and disease and their determinants.
Philosophy of community-orientated and participatory approaches.
Principles of community participation: approaches/theories to community participation, collective action, understanding cultural diversity within communities, techniques for engagement, grass roots movements and its impact on community empowerment.
Participatory health needs assessment and community profiling.
Participatory, multi-disciplinary and inter sectoral health promotion approaches, including community development methods.
Methods of involving the public to improve health and reduce inequalities.
Theories of social capital, capacity building.
Advocacy and social action.
Ethical, legal and social considerations: social change and justice, equality, impact of oppression and marginalisation on health, legislation.

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