Introduction to Primary Health Care

Abstract

This subject will introduce students to: concepts of health; primary health care as a philosophy, organising framework and way of working with people and communities; social determinants of health, and; the development of nursing as a practice discipline and its role in primary health care. The Australian context will be provided with an introduction to the Australian health system and national health priorities. Personal values, differences and perceptions will be explored in relation to respect, health needs assessment, Indigenous Australian cultural competence, transcultural competence, professionalism and health education and promotion for individuals and groups. Students will engage with each other in tutorials (for distance education students this will occur online) to develop their communication skills and ability to interact in a team environment.

Syllabus

The Nature of Health. Exploration of concepts of health, community and culture. Social determinants of health (with reference to Indigenous Australian people and vulnerable communities). Healthy people, healthy communities.Development of Primary Health Care. Public health; theories of health and disease; community health. Sociological, ecological and cultural perspectives. Primary health care … For more content click the Read More button below.

The Nature of Health. Exploration of concepts of health, community and culture. Social determinants of health (with reference to Indigenous Australian people and vulnerable communities). Healthy people, healthy communities.
Development of Primary Health Care. Public health; theories of health and disease; community health. Sociological, ecological and cultural perspectives. Primary health care and social determinants of health. Philosophy and principles of primary health care. Ethical frameworks and theories, introduction and application to PHC.
The Australian Health System. Providers, funders, participants (AIHW, 2012). Supporting mechanisms, government (all tiers) and non-government organisations, consumer advocacy and support groups. Legislation and health policy, an overview. Health priorities (http://www.aihw.gov.au/national-health-priority-areas/), demographics, risk factors, incidence, epidemiology and surveillance (endemic, epidemic, pandemic), Indigenous Australian health, vulnerable populations.
Building Pictures for Ways of Working. Introduction to health screening and needs assessments, individuals and communities. Accessing, generating and using evidence for PHC nursing practice. Working in partnership, working collaboratively, working towards cultural responsiveness (nursing, interdisciplinary, intersectorially) through the application of PHC principles to address social determinants of health (inclusion, Indigenous Australians and Culturally and Linguistic Diverse communities safety/respect, empowerment, advocacy, social justice, equity).
Cultural competence. Why do nurses need to be culturally competent? History of cultural competence in nursing. Models of cultural competence, including Indigenous Australian.
Protecting and Promoting Health. Individuals and Communities. Developing health literacy - lifespan, cultural and personal capacity considerations. Health information, research and evidence for health. Health promotion principles and strategies. Education for health. Implications for nursing practice.

Enrolment restrictions

Only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing course and Bachelor of Nursing - Graduate Diploma of Clinical Practice (Paramedic).

Handbook

NRS113 - Introduction to Primary Health Care

Abstract

Syllabus

Enrolment restrictions