Week 2 Discussion: Organizational Systems and Structure

The World Health Organization defines social determinants of health as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Social determinants of health influence the health of a community, and in turn they also influence what is needed from healthcare organizations.

In your discussion, this week, include the following:

• Discuss how economic, environmental, social, and demographic factors contribute to the evolution of healthcare organizations located within communities that have vulnerable populations.
• How are nurses and nurse leaders uniquely positioned to foster positive relationships between healthcare systems and local communities?
• Consider a healthcare organization within which you currently work or have previously worked. Did that organization develop community partnerships that addressed the needs based on social determinants of health? If so, what were they? If not, what partnerships would you recommend?