Vulnerable Populations

Front 1

What is vulnerability?

Back 1

a general concept which means susceptible to something; and a specific meaning in health care as "at risk for health problems"

Front 2

What is the definition of a vulnerable population?

Back 2

defined as a social group that has a risk greater than the general population for developing health related problems; a health disparity compared to the general population.

Front 3

What are the contextual factors for vulnerability?

Back 3

Individual, interpersonal, social, environmental, economic and or political characteristics that serve to increase or decrease vulnerability of a given population.

Front 4

What are some attributes of a vulnerable population?

Back 4

Characteristics exhibited by vulnerable populations.
Limited control
Victimization
Exploitation
Marginalization(groups excluded from mainstream society: homeless)
Stigmatization(drug abuser, overweight)
Disenfranchisement(deprived of a legal right or privilege(a prisoner)

Front 5

What are major nursing intervention guidelines within the vulnerabilty model?

Back 5

1. Understand the problem/issue for the patients' perspective.
2. What healing systems does the patient use?
3. Cultural assessment as needed
4. Cultural and linguistic competence.

Front 6

Describe how interventions may influence positive and negative health outcomes of different vulnerable groups.

Back 6

1. Communication is key
2. Recognize key relationships and communicate appropriately
3. Consult social services to help work with family/group
4. Recognize and reduce resistance that may prevent the development of nurse-patient relationships and may contribute to negative attitudes and labels such as 'noncompliant'
5. Strive toward knowing when to let go
6. Understand the context from which the patient came and to which he/she will return