Discussion: Write at least 2 paragraph with citations in APA format.
Explain the meaning of an asset-based approach to health improvement.
- Provide an example of how positive resources available to individuals and communities enable them to gain more control over their lives and circumstances.
- Describe two to three implications for nursing practice including the cultural aspects.
Reply to the two discussions below (You do not need to use the same citation in the responses to the discussions.
Discussion #1
Hi Angelica, I agree with your view of the asset-based approach and its significance in healthcare. I think it means focusing on community resources that could promote health and well-being. Cassetti et al. (2019) explain that health assets are resources such as skills that improve people’s ability to maintain health. I have also thought that resources are a primary strength in communities that empower individuals and help in overcoming health promotion obstacles. Your example of using written or visual communication to overcome language barriers demonstrates the significance of utilizing community resources. In this scenario, some community members could have the ability to translate health promotion materials using local language. Nurses should build healthy relationships with such individuals to effectively advance individual well-being. I agree with your suggestions for nursing practice—practitioners should understand and respect communities’ communication styles. Do you think cultural competence is a vital element in an asset-based approach?
References
Cassetti, V., Powell, K., Barnes, A., & Sanders, T. (2019). A systematic scoping review of asset-based approaches to promote health in communities: Development of a framework. Global Health Promotion, 27(3), 175797591984892. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757975919848925
Discussion #2
Asset-based approaches to health promotion have become increasingly popular to tackle health inequalities by empowering people in more disadvantaged communities to use local resources and increase control over health and its determinants (Cassetti et al, 2019). This approach focuses on resources available in the community and using those resources to address healthcare disparities facing the underserved communities.
I moved to Salt Lake City, UT from another country about 15 years ago; one of the resources I got connected early on and found very successful across the immigrants’ communities is a community gardening program run by local nonprofit, county, and city government. It is called ‘New Roots’ program (New roots in Salt Lake City, n.d.). It provides garden plots, technical support, seeds and other resources for local refugee and immigrants community to grow seasonal vegetables and help them sell those in local farmers’ markets. Fresh produces are sold weekly; individuals who have Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) will be able to use it to buy double the produce than in local markets through match from grants. This asset-based approach provides immigrants with sense of ownership of gardens, sense of community, physical and mental exercises, fresh produces, and an ability to earn some money through selling produces.
Mental health, social work, and nursing embrace an asset-based approach to assessment within the health promotion context (Edelman & Kudzma, 2021, p. 146). Nurses can use asset-based approach in identifying gaps in services for the patients/families we are caring for and connect them to available resources to address their needs. Nurses are members of the community, and it is very crucial for us as nurses to be aware of the health care context, service gaps and resources in our community, especially when we are working with individuals from underserved communities.
References
Cassetti, V., Powell, K., Barnes, A., & Sanders, T. (2019). A systematic scoping review of asset-based approaches to promote health in communities: development of a framework. Global Health Promotion, 27(3), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757975919848925Links to an external site.
Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C. (2021). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span – E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
New roots in Salt Lake City. (n.d.). The IRC. https://www.rescue.org/announcement/new-roots-salt-lake-cityLinks to an external site.
Discussion #1 Response: Hello Angelica, I completely agree with your understanding of the asset-based approach to health improvement. It’s crucial to focus on the strengths and resources within communities to promote well-being. Your example of using community members to translate health promotion materials to overcome language barriers is a fantastic illustration of this approach. Cultural competence plays a vital role in the asset-based approach. Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting the diverse cultures within a community, which is essential for effective engagement and collaboration (Campinha-Bacote, 2002). When nurses acknowledge and incorporate cultural values, beliefs, and practices, they can build trust and facilitate health promotion that resonates with the community, ultimately leading to better outcomes. So, cultural competence is indeed an integral element of the asset-based approach in nursing practice.
References Campinha-Bacote, J. (2002). The process of cultural competence in the delivery of healthcare services: A model of care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3), 181-184. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659602250631
Discussion #2 Response: Your description of the New Roots program in Salt Lake City, UT, is a powerful example of how asset-based approaches can address healthcare disparities and empower underserved communities. This initiative not only provides access to fresh produce but also offers numerous physical, mental, and social benefits to immigrant and refugee communities. It’s an excellent demonstration of how utilizing local resources can lead to improved health and well-being, while also fostering a sense of community and self-sufficiency.
In nursing practice, embracing an asset-based approach is essential for addressing the unique needs of patients from underserved communities. By identifying gaps in services and connecting patients to available resources, nurses can promote health and reduce disparities. This approach aligns with the principles of community-based care and culturally competent nursing, ensuring that healthcare services are tailored to the specific needs and assets of the communities they serve.
References Cassetti, V., Powell, K., Barnes, A., & Sanders, T. (2019). A systematic scoping review of asset-based approaches to promote health in communities: development of a framework. Global Health Promotion, 27(3), 15–23. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757975919848925 Edelman, C., & Kudzma, E. C. (2021). Health Promotion Throughout the Life Span – E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.