Purpose/Objectives:
The aim of this project was to provide a Web-based resource for vulnerable persons interested in services from community agencies.
Significance:
Over 50% of Americans have Internet access in their homes. Many of these use the Internet to search for information related to disease processes, community services, and medications.
Background/Rationale:
Vulnerable populations exist in communities across the country. Examples of vulnerable groups include pregnant adolescents, poor persons, substance abusers, and mentally ill individuals. Vulnerable persons are more likely to experience health problems as a result of exposure to risk or to develop worse outcomes from these health problems than the remainder of the population. When armed with appropriate information, vulnerable persons engage in health-promoting behaviors and experience improved health status.
Description:
The site chosen for this project was a bedroom community of a large metropolitan city. A community needs assessment was conducted to learn more about the people and local area and included the various dynamics that are related to a healthy community. A central location for community resources was identified as a key need. Interviews with key informants, an Internet search, and a windshield survey for community resources resulted in 11 agencies within the surrounding area. A Web site, hosted on a free server, was developed to act as a 1-stop resource for these community resources. The Web site briefly described each agency and provided a physical address and phone number. Electronic questionnaires were delivered to various key stakeholders within the community to evaluate the Web site.
Outcome:
Overall, evaluations were positive. The Web site was found to be easy to navigate with an appealing appearance and working hyperlinks. Suggestions were made for additional community resources, like suicide prevention and veterans.
Interpretation/Conclusion:
Due to the positive feedback, a marketing plan is currently being developed for the Web site. Potential ideas include posting written literature at key locations throughout the community, writing an article in the local newspaper, and appearing on a local morning radio show.
Implications for Practice:
The Internet is a practical, cost-effective method for delivering accurate information to vulnerable populations.
Section Description
The journal is proud to share the student abstracts accepted for poster presentation at the 2010 National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists Conference. These abstracts are submitted under a separate, later deadline and therefore did not appear in the journal with the general abstracts. Congratulations to these CNS students and their faculty mentors.