Nursing: Man, Health, and Illness Concepts

Fundamentals in Nursing: NCM 103 - Level 2, 2nd Semester AY 2024-2025

• Module 1 is about the concepts of man, health, and illness and introductory concepts including;
  • Concept of Man, Health, and Illness
  • Concept of Nursing Nursing as Profession
  • Nursing as an Art
  • Caring
  • Communicating
  • Teaching

Objectives

• Understand the holistic nature of health and illness and the interconnection of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of health.
• Recognize the role of the health care delivery system. Analyze the structure, levels, and challenges, emphasizing the nurse's role in providing accessible and equitable care.
• Define and appreciate nursing as a profession and an art, identifying criteria and understanding the importance of caring, communication, and professional qualities.
• Develop effective communication and caring skills, including therapeutic communication techniques, caring models, and self-care strategies.
• Promote health, prevent disease, and support rehabilitation and also equip learners with knowledge and strategies for health promotion along with disease

Concept of Man, Health, and Illness

• The concepts are foundational and explore the interrelationship between human beings and their physical, mental, social, and environmental conditions.

Concept of Man

• Man is viewed as a holistic being with physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. Each individual is unique and interacts constantly with their environment.
• Man's health is influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
• Influence of various factors:
  • Biological factors such as genetics and age affect health; for instance, some people may inherit a risk for heart disease.
  • Psychological factors such as Mental health and emotions impacting physical well-being. Anxiety, for example, can cause sleep problems.
  • Environmental factors such as where and how a person lives and air quality, job safety, and access to clean water plays a major role in health.

Concept of Health

• Health is not merely the absence of disease but a dynamic state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO).
• It encompasses wellness and the capacity to lead a productive life, adapting to life's stresses and fulfilling personal and societal roles.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
• To maintain good health, balance in all these areas is important through eating healthy, staying active, getting enough rest, building strong relationships, managing stress, and finding purpose.

Concept of Illness

• Illness refers to a subjective experience of feeling unwell or having a disruption in physical or mental health.
• It is influenced by cultural, social, and personal perceptions, and may not always be aligned with objective clinical conditions or diagnoses.
• Understanding illness involves not only identifying biological causes but also addressing psychological, social, and environmental factors.

Difference Between Illness and Disease

• Disease refers to a specific medical condition diagnosed by doctors (e.g., diabetes or pneumonia). Illness refers to the personal experience of feeling unwell, even if no clear disease is found.
• Understanding illness helps healthcare providers focus on both treating diseases and caring for how patients feel and experience their health problems.

Factors and Issues Affecting Health and Illness

• Biological Factors:
  • Genetics - includes predisposition to certain diseases like diabetes and cancer
  • Age - includes vulnerability to specific health issues at different stages of life.
  • Gender - influences of prevalence and types of health issues (e.g., reproductive health).
• Lifestyle Factors:
  • Diet and Nutrition - Balanced diets promote health, while poor eating habits lead to obesity, malnutrition, and related illnesses.
  • Physical Activity - Regular exercise reduces risk for cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and stress.
  • Substance Use - Smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse negatively impact health.
• Environmental Factors:
  • Physical Environment - Pollution, climate change, and urban living conditions affect respiratory health and spread of disease.
  • Socioeconomic Environment - Poverty, education, and access to resources significantly influence health outcomes
• Psychological and Social Factors:
  • Stress - Chronic stress leads to conditions such as hypertension and depression.
  • Social Support - Strong social networks contribute to better health outcomes.
  • Cultural Beliefs - Cultural practices towards healthcare can affect health-seeking behavior.
• Health System Factors include:
  • Accessibility of Healthcare and availability of services in rural vs. urban areas.
  • Quality of Care through the adequacy of medical personnel, facilities and technology
  • Health Policies influenced by governmental regulations.

Health Care Delivery System

• Defined as the organized provision of health services to individuals or communities, including preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care.
• Levels of Health Care Delivery:
  • Primary Care is the first point of contact (e.g., general practitioners, community clinics).
  • Secondary Care includes specialized medical services often requiring referral (e.g., cardiologists, hospitals).
  • Tertiary Care involves highly specialized services such as advanced surgical procedures and intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Quaternary Care covers experimental medicine and rare diagnostic or surgical procedures.
• Health Care Systems Models:
  • Beveridge Model is healthcare funded by taxation (e.g., UK NHS).
  • Bismarck Model is insurance-based and often employer-provided (e.g., Germany).
  • National Health Insurance Model is a single-payer system combining elements of Beveridge and Bismarck (e.g., Canada).
  • Out-of-Pocket Model means individuals pay directly for healthcare services (e.g., in many developing nations).
• Key Components of Effective Health Care Systems:
  • Healthcare Providers like Physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals.
  • Health Infrastructure includes Hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.
  • Health Financing can be Public and private insurance, or government funding.
  • Health Information Systems that provide data collection for decision-making and policy formulation.
  • Health Policies and Regulations ensure quality, safety, and equitable access to care.
• Challenges in Health Care Delivery:
  • Workforce Shortages such as lack of trained healthcare professionals in underserved areas.
  • Rising Costs and increasing expenses for medical care and technology.
  • Health Disparities and Inequities in access to care and health outcomes.
  • Pandemics and Emergencies that include Preparedness for health crises like COVID-19.
  • Integration of Technology, especially telemedicine, electronic health records, and AI in healthcare.

Concept of Nursing as Profession

Nursing is a science and an art, combining knowledge, skills, and compassion to promote health, prevent illness, and care for the sick. As a profession, nursing adheres to specific standards and principles that ensure quality care and patient trust.

• Criteria for Nursing as a Profession:
  • Nursing qualifies as a profession based on the following characteristics:
  • Specialized Knowledge: Nurses undergo extensive education and training in health sciences and patient care. -Code of Ethics: The profession adheres to ethical standards, emphasizing patient rights, confidentiality, and compassionate care.
  • Service Orientation: Nursing focuses on providing care and improving the well-being
  • Autonomy and Accountability: Nurses are responsible for their decisions and actions while practicing independently and collaboratively.
  • Continuous Education means Nursing demands lifelong learning to stay updated with advancements in medical science and technology.
  • Professional Organization: Nurses are part of regulatory and professional bodies that govern practice standards, such as the International Council of

Personal and Professional Qualities of a Nurse

• Personal Qualities include:
  • Empathy with Understanding and sharing the feelings of others
  • Compassion with Genuine concern for the suffering and well-being of patients
  • Patience through Ability to remain calm and supportive in challenging situations
  • Adaptability with Flexibility in responding to diverse patient needs and emergencies
  • Integrity demonstrated via Honesty and adherence to moral and ethical principles
• Professional Qualities include:
  • Competence with strong clinical skills and theoretical knowledge.
  • Communication Skills that include Effective verbal, non-verbal, and written communication
  • Teamwork is ability to work collaboratively with healthcare professionals
  • Critical Thinking involved sound judgment and problem-solving skills in patient care
  • Leadership demonstrated via Capability to guide and inspire others in healthcare settings

Fields of Nursing

• Nursing encompasses a wide range of specializations to meet diverse patient needs:
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing that cares for adults with acute and chronic illnesses
  • Pediatric Nursing that cares for infants, children, and adolescents
  • Geriatric Nursing that focus on the health needs of older adults.
  • Mental Health Nursing that cares for individuals with psychiatric disorders
  • Community Health Nursing works via promoting health and preventing illness in communities
  • Critical Care Nursing that manages patients in intensive care units
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing that specializes in care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum
  • Emergency Nursing that works to provide immediate care in emergency and trauma situations

History of Nursing

• Early Beginnings:
  • Nursing began as a role fulfilled by caregivers within families and communities.
  • Ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and Rome emphasized care for the sick and injured.
• Medieval Period
  • Nursing was primarily associated with religious institutions, with monks and nuns providing care.
  • The establishment of hospitals became more prominent.
• Florence Nightingale Era:
  • Often called the "Founder of Modern Nursing," Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing during the Crimean War (1853-1856).
  • She emphasized hygiene, sanitation, and structured nursing education.
• 20th Century Developments:
  • Nursing evolved into a recognized profession with formal training programs and licensure.
  • Technological advancements and specialization expanded the scope of nursing practice.
• 21st Century Nursing:
  • Focuses on evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and integrating technology like telemedicine and electronic health records.
  • Emphasizes global health, addressing issues like pandemics and health disparities.

Group Task Rubrics

• Use the criteria below in creating the group task
  • Accuracy and Detail (8 pts)
  • Creativity and Presentation (8pts)
  • Explanation of the topic (7pts)
  • Effort and Adherence to Guidelines (7 pts)
• Total 30