This subject is designed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of students in community health nursing practice. It introduces students to the concepts and principles of Community Health Nursing practice. The students discuss, factors influencing community care, health promotive and illness preventive measures. It incorporates the basic concepts, principles and scope of epidemiology.
The students learn the health planning and management process in Sri Lanka, and measures taken to prevent and control communicable diseases. Special emphasis is placed to learn their role as members of health care team in maternal and child health and reproductive health programmes and assisting families with specific health care problems.
Students will be placed in MOH areas for one month and they will be provided opportunities to attend clinics to observe care given and identify common problems in mothers and infants in the community. They will join with Public Health Midwife in her antenatal and post natal family visits and conduct a family assessment. They will be visiting food establishments and factories with Public Health Inspectors and also they will study about environment health.
Study visits to water purification plant, community service centres and homes for disabled will also help students in gaining experience on community care.
Objectives
At the end of this course the student will be able to;
1. Participate actively as a member of the health team in preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health care delivery system.
2. Ensure community participation in identifying., planning and meeting the health care needs of the community
3. Direct, guide and collaborate the nursing care given by other health care personnel at various levels.
4. Strengthen information, education and communication for healthy living and rational use of health care facilities
5. Strengthen health care delivery through inter sectoral cooperation and involvement of non governmental organizations.
6. Appreciate the need for simple health projects to improve community health nursing services in Sri Lanka