Community analysis for health planning with vulnerable populations

Area of Science:

• Community Health Nursing
• Healthcare Delivery Models
• Public Health Analysis

Background:

• Public housing communities often face unique healthcare access and utilization challenges.
• Assessing community health needs is crucial for developing effective healthcare interventions.
• Understanding resident satisfaction is key to improving healthcare services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a theory-based community health analysis in an adult public housing setting.
• To identify the most needed and utilized healthcare services within the community.
• To evaluate community satisfaction with existing healthcare services and explore alternative delivery models like academic nursing clinics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a theory-based community health analysis framework.
• Collected data via the Health Needs and Health Status Survey and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale.
• Employed interactive participant interviews, key informant interviews, and observational methods.

Main Results:

• The study population (N=242) comprised unmarried, middle-aged, low-income residents with multiple chronic conditions, mental illnesses, and/or disabilities.
• A high need for healthcare services was identified.
• Preventative and routine healthcare service utilization was low; emergency services were often inappropriately used, or care was delayed.

Conclusions:

• The identified healthcare needs suggest a potential for alternative delivery models, such as academic nursing clinics.
• There is a critical gap between healthcare needs and service utilization in this public housing community.
• Targeted interventions are necessary to improve access to and utilization of appropriate healthcare services.