Title of Project
Date
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction 1
Background X
Place X
People X
Windshield Survey X
Individual Observation Sections X
Findings and Conclusions X
Overall Impressions X
Elements That May Have Contributed Toward the Problem X
Appendices X
References X
Introduction (1-2 pages total)
• Explain the purpose of a community assessment and why you are performing it.
• Explain how specific social determinants within a community impact the overall health of the community (for example, high rates of violence, low-performing schools, or high incidences of teenage pregnancy).
Background
• Describe the health problem that you are investigating.
• Describe any information that you have already found on the topic.
Place
• Environment
• Size of the area
• Climate
• History
People
• Size and density of population
• Demographic structure of population (e.g., race, ethnic groups, gender, age) both current and historically
Windshield Survey(5-10 pages total )
Boundaries Describe the boundaries of the area that you are studying. Is it defined by certain roads or a water source? Does this area have a nickname or a specific name to which it is referred?
Housing and Zoning How old are the houses? What materials were used in the construction of the houses? Describe the housing, including the space between them; general appearance and condition; and presence of central heating, air conditioning, and modern plumbing.
Open Space Describe the amount, condition, and use of open spaces. Does it seem safe? Is the open space attractive?
Commons Where do people in the neighborhood hang out? Who hangs out there, and at what times of the day?
Transportation How do people get around? Is there public transportation? If so, how effective is it? How timely? Do you see a lot of personal autos or bikes, etc.? Are there pedestrians? Does the area appear safe?
Social Service Centers Do you see evidence of recreation centers, parks, social services, doctor’s offices, dentists, pharmacies, etc.?
Stores Where do the residents shop? How do they get to the stores? Do they have a grocery store or a place to get fresh produce? Is this a “food desert?”
Animals Are there animals on the street? Are they loose or contained?
Condition of the Area Is the area well kept, or is there evidence of trash, abandoned cars or houses, or other things of this type? What kind of information is provided on signs in the area?
Religion What indications do you see about the types of religion residents practice?
Health Indicators Do you see evidence of clinics, hospitals, mental illness, and/or substance abuse?
Politics What indicators do you see about politics? Do you see posters or headquarters?
Media Do you see indicators of what people read? What they watch on television? Listen to on the radio?
Business and Industry What type of business climate exists? Manufacturers? Light or heavy industry? Large employers? Small business owners? Retail? Hospitality industry? Military installation? Do people have to seek employment elsewhere?
Reference
Stanhope, M.,& Lancaster, J. (Eds.). (2015). Public health nursing population-centered health care in the community (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
Findings and Conclusions (1-2 pages total)
• Explain your overall impressions of the community and population.
• Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the community and population.
• Evaluate the wellbeing of the community and population.
• Analyze the safety of the community.
• Make inferences about which elements that you observedmay contribute to the health problem with which you are concerned.
Appendices (Page numbers vary)
Include any additional information that is not appropriate to include in the regular sections.
References (Page number varies)
Include citations for all references used in the report.
