Maegan Bell NURS 7356 06/02/15

Population (Community) Assessment Summary

The population sample will be any patient with a diagnosis of arthritis. This will include

all types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The sample size will be five to ten

participants. The location of interaction with this population is Hughston Orthopedic Clinic in

Columbus, Georgia. The goal of this assessment is to assess and analyze the growing impact of

arthritis on the healthcare system today. Measurable objectives to analyze during the assessment

will include type of arthritis, race, gender, age, onset of disease, weight, other comorbidities,

work status, doctors and hospital visits, medication dependence, loss of independence, inactivity,

immobility, and depression status. A patient questionnaire can be used as a survey tool to obtain

the measurable objectives of which will reflect my initial goal. Additionally, I will also analyze

factors affecting these patients overall health, such as immobility, obesity, diabetes, depression,

medication dependence, chronic diseases and comorbidities. Some identified health disparities in

people affected with arthritis include gender disparities, race disparities, and obesity.

Population centered and culturally appropriate strategies for health promotion and clinical

prevention in this population include early identification and education regarding the disease by

the provider in the office, increasing effective patient self management of the disease to slow

progression and impact, decrease gender disparities occurring with patients and providers,

decrease racial disparities occurring with patients and providers, and reduce the cost and burden

on healthcare caused by arthritis and its subsequent fall out. Majority of these strategies can be

achieved through proper education of both the providers and patients (Abney et al., 2011;

Murphy & Helmick, 2012).

Abney, J., Bolanos, A., Cruz, Y., Dykes, D.C., Fifield, J., Galloway, J., Wood, R. (2011).

Proceedings from 2011 caucus on arthritis and musculoskeletal health disparities:

Movement is life: a catalyst for change. Washington, D.C.

Murphy, L., & Helmick, C. G. (2012). The impact of osteoarthritis in the United States: a

population-health perspective. The American Journal Of Nursing, 112(3 Suppl 1), S13-

S19. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000412646.80054.21