Collaboration is a must in healthcare, whether healthcare professionals work in an emergency room or a public health setting. The latter often requires a heightened level of collaboration because the public health area of focus spans various healthcare initiatives. The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) online Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program prepares graduates to succeed in nursing roles with strong collaboration abilities.
This article explores the importance of collaborative approaches in nursing, certain challenges nurses face and success stories from real-world initiatives.
Need for Collaborative Approaches in Community Health
The complexity of community health challenges necessitates more than the traditional healthcare delivery models. Factors such as social determinants of health (SDOH) — economic stability, education access and quality, healthcare access and quality, neighborhood and built environment and social and community context — significantly influence health outcomes.
Given their close interaction with patients and communities, nurses are in a unique position to lead and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations that address these extensive determinants of health.
Challenges in Community Health Collaboration
Collaborative efforts, while beneficial, are not without challenges. A systematic review highlighted by BMC Public Health discusses the difficulty in actually quantifying the success of public health partnerships due to varied methodologies and the complex, multifaceted nature of these collaborations.
Additional challenges in collaboration for community health efforts include the following:
- navigating diverse interests and priorities of different stakeholders
- overcoming communication barriers among organizations with varying levels of resources and expertise
- managing the logistical complexities of coordinating efforts across different sectors
Despite these hurdles, the imperative to work together across sectors is clear. The synergistic effect of combined efforts can lead to substantial improvements in public health outcomes.
Benefits of Successful Partnerships
Successful collaborations between healthcare workers and community organizations can significantly enhance health outcomes. The Journal of General and Family Health outlines several benefits of effective partnerships, including improved access to healthcare, enhanced quality of care and more efficient use of resources. By working together, healthcare professionals and community stakeholders can implement targeted interventions that address specific health needs — leading to healthier communities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides examples of successful public health collaborations. These initiatives range from comprehensive community programs addressing SDOH to specific health initiatives focused on conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular diseases.
For instance, community partnerships have led to innovative approaches like creating of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) that integrate physical, behavioral health and social services. In effect, these reduce hospital admissions and emergency room use. Another example is the implementation of community-based initiatives to provide housing and support services, leading to significant cost savings and improved health outcomes for homeless populations.
Building a Foundation of Collaboration: Benefits of a BSN Degree
Interdisciplinary collaboration that involves a wide range of stakeholders — such as healthcare providers, public health professionals, community organizations and policy-makers — is essential for strengthening public health infrastructure. By pooling resources, sharing expertise and working towards common goals, collaborative efforts can lead to innovative solutions that address the root causes of health disparities.
Educational programs, like UMHB’s online RN to BSN program, play a vital role in preparing nurses for community-engaged roles. Courses like Nursing in the Community equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders, thereby optimizing health outcomes at the community level.
There are additional benefits to becoming a BSN-prepared nurse. Programs like UMHB’s provide a comprehensive understanding of nursing practice, leadership skills and a foundation for advanced studies. BSN-prepared nurses often have access to better job opportunities, higher salaries and the ability to deliver a higher level of clinical care. Additionally, a BSN is increasingly becoming the preferred or required level of education for many nursing positions and is essential for advancing to graduate-level nursing education.
Healthier Communities Start With Collaboration
Collaborative approaches in nursing and public health are fundamental to addressing the complex health challenges facing communities today. Health professionals can lead efforts to improve community health outcomes through education, interdisciplinary collaboration and community partnerships.
It is evident that collaborative efforts are not just beneficial but essential for public health improvement. Continued investment in and support for these collaborative initiatives are crucial for building healthier communities and advancing public health goals.
Learn more about UMHB’s RN to BSN online program.