Epidemiologia e o valor dos cuidados de enfermagem

Abstract

Introduction: Decision-making by the nurse, which guides an autonomous professional practice, entails a systemic and systematic approach, centred on the community as its care unit. When oriented towards community empowerment, clinical decision-making in the field of Nursing requires a conscious and deliberate diagnosis and intervention process in order to amplify the power of communities. According to the MAIEC model, empowerment is both the process and the result of interventions. Epidemiological Surveillance sustains the perceived gains in health status attained by the programmes and projects, the development of which, in turn, structures the process of Epidemiological Surveillance. Methods: In this community intervention project, based in a Public Health Unit of an ACES (group of health centres) in the Northern region of Portugal, the methodology of Planning in Healthcare was used. The project is divided into two parts: the first one involves assessing, through focus groups, the level of community empowerment at the ACES and, during the second stage, a quasi-experimental study was developed, carrying out an assessment, on two occasions, both before and after applying the MAIEC, of the impact on the level of community empowerment. Concurrently, the ACES’ documentation rates were assessed for diagnoses considered priorities for Epidemiological Surveillance. Using a case study method were analyzed the competences developd among the Master Course in Nursing and the other internship and experiences along the course. Outcomes: The ACES’ level of empowerment was identified, in addition to the area of attention or focus (ICNP) — Community Management, in its three dimensions of diagnosis: community process, community engagement and community leadership. The common skills of specialist nurses were developed, such as the specific skills of the Specialist in Community Health and Public Health Nursing and those of the Master of Nursing degree. Discussion and conclusion: Our interventions are not detached from all processes that involve the Person and there is a need for a consistent commitment to the principle of healthcare for all, as well as consistent policies and actions. Community engagement is increasingly recognized as fundamental for improving and maintaining interventions that enhance health outcomes.

Date of Award	26 Mar 2021
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Pedro Melo (Supervisor)