Health, Wellness, Illness, Teaching and Learning

Health, Wellness & Illness

• Quote: "Health is not valued till sickness comes." - Thomas Fuller

Objectives

• Define health and health promotion.

• Identify vulnerable populations.

• Discuss the role of the nurse in health, wellness, and health promotion.

• Explain variables that influence health beliefs and practices.

• Identify two national initiatives for health promotion and prevention.

• Compare and contrast the nursing and teaching processes.

• Identify the purposes of patient education.

• Understand basic learning principles.

• Differentiate readiness to learn from ability to learn.

• Identify environments that promote learning.

• Evaluate learning using appropriate methods.

Health Definitions

• Health: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being; not merely the absence of disease.

• Wellness: Living a lifestyle that promotes good physical, mental, and emotional health.

• Disease: Pathological changes in the structure or function of the body or mind.

• Morbidity: Refers to health issues.

• Mortality: Refers to death rates.

Illness Types

• Illness: Rapid onset with abilities to return to previous functioning levels.

• Acute Illness: Sudden onset with a short duration.

• Chronic Illness: Long-term health conditions.

• Exacerbation: Periods when symptoms worsen.

• Remission: Periods of improvement or absence of symptoms.

Causes of Disease or Illness

• Genetic Factors: Inherited defects.

• Developmental Factors: Issues due to prenatal exposures (viruses, chemicals).

• Biologic Agents: Toxins and pathogens.

• Physical Agents: Environmental factors such as temperature change and radiation.

• Physiologic Reactions: Responses to stress affecting health.

• Secretory Issues: Problems with hormone or enzyme production.

Risk Factors Affecting Wellness

• Genetic & Physiologic Factors: Inherited traits affecting health.

• Age: Different age groups have different health risks.

• Environment: Surroundings influencing health outcomes.

• Lifestyle: Choices impacting overall wellness.

Internal and External Variables

• Internal Variables:

  • Perception of illness (acute vs. chronic).

  • Nature of the illness.

• External Variables:

  • Visibility of symptoms.

  • Support from social groups.

  • Cultural background and economic variables.

  • Access to healthcare.

Health Beliefs Influences

• Internal Variables:

  • Developmental stage.

  • Intellectual background and perception.

  • Emotional and spiritual factors.

• External Variables:

  • Family practices.

  • Socioeconomic status and cultural background.

Vulnerable Populations

• Groups at greatest risk for poor health outcomes:

  • Low socioeconomic status individuals.

  • Ethnic and racial minorities.

  • Individuals discriminated against socially or politically.

Health Promotion & Illness Prevention

• Health Promotion: Focuses on:

  • Self-responsibility.

  • Nutritional awareness.

  • Stress management.

  • Physical fitness.

• Goals: To optimize health through evidence-based practices aimed at communities and populations.

Risk Factor Modifications

• Assessment: Identify risks, discuss health hazards, and educate patients on wellness strategies.

Communication in Health Promotion

• Key aspects of Motivational Interviewing:

  • Listen instead of telling.

  • Adjust to patient resistance.

  • Reflective listening shows empathy.

  • Focus on positive aspects.

Models of Health Promotion

• Health Belief Model: Predicts preventive behaviors.

• Health Promotion Model: Influences of prior behaviors and experiences.

• Transtheoretical Model: Stages of behavior change.

• Health-Illness Continuum: Ranges from death to high-level wellness.

• Agent-Host-Environment Model: Interactions affecting health status.

Types of Prevention

• Primary Prevention: Health education, fitness activities, and immunizations.

• Secondary Prevention: Screenings and follow-up care.

• Tertiary Prevention: Rehabilitation, medication management, and dietary counseling.

Teaching & Learning Process

• Teaching & Communication: Promotes learning through an interactive process focused on the patient's needs.

• Nurses as Teachers: Facilitate health maintenance, illness prevention, and coping strategies.

Barriers to Learning

• Factors that hinder effective learning:

  • Poor teaching environment.

  • Cultural differences.

  • Financial concerns.

  • Patient’s readiness and motivation to learn.

Readiness and Ability to Learn

• Readiness to Learn: Mental state and motivation affecting learning capacity.

• Ability to Learn: Cognitive development, prior knowledge, and physical health considerations.

Learning Styles

• Visual: Charts, graphs, and PowerPoints.

• Auditory: Listening centers, discussions.

• Read/Write: Note taking and textbooks.

• Kinesthetic: Hands-on activities.

Learning Environment Factors

• Conditions that promote learning:

  • Comfortable, well-lit spaces.

  • Quiet and private.

  • Ready state for learning.

Integrating Nursing and Teaching Processes

• Comparison of nursing and teaching processes: focuses on patient care needs vs. learning needs.

• Effective teaching includes assessing learning needs and developing customized strategies.

Nursing Process in Patient Education

• Assessment: Understanding learner's condition and needs.

• Diagnosis: Identifying knowledge deficiencies.

• Planning: Establishing tailored teaching goals.

• Implementation: Executing teaching strategies effectively.

• Evaluation: Continuous assessment of learning outcomes.

Common Teaching Mistakes

• Failing to consider patient circumstances, using jargon, and neglecting evaluation of learning.