IN THIS LESSON

In this lesson, you will engage with the CHASE model and assessment tools to identify community and population health needs.

CHASE MODEL

The CHASE Model is what you will use as a framework to guide you as you engage with the community development project. CHASE stands for:

Community – a rural geographical location, a population, a group, or aggregate with a common goal or sense of connectedness associated with health.

Health – a dynamic concept, ‘constantly changing as our biology and genetic predispositions interact with the psychological, social, cultural, spiritual and physical environments that we live in’ (McMurray & Clendon, 2011, p. 5).

Assessment – the collection and analysis of data about a rural community, population, or aggregate with a view to identify and improve health and the sustainability of rural communities.

Sustainable – a common commitment to work towards creating and sustaining the health of an identified population group or geographical location and environment.

Education – involves active learning and engagement of nurse learners in the community development process, leading to innovative critical thinking, to identify and improve health.
(Ross et al., 2023 p. 27)

ASSESSMENT TOOLS

There are a number of assessment tools or frameworks to assist you as you work towards completing the community development project.

DATA COLLECTION

This data collection identifies the core of the community, the demographics (analyzed from census data) of the community, and the community services by engaging with the original eight subsystems and include communication; safety and transportation; physical environment; health and social services; politics and government; economics; recreation; the physical environment; as well as education. The three additional subsystems include housing,
COVID-19 (we now consider disruption), and climate change. Secondary data is gathered initially through Internet websites and library sources. Any gaps revealed from the secondary data collection will assist you in compiling specific questions you will ask of the community stakeholders (primary data collection) to complete the community assessment.

ANALYSIS OF DATA

To analyze the data you have gathered you can use the SWOT analysis, which refers to Strengths/Weaknesses/Opportunities/Threats. List the data you have under each of these four headings. This will allow you to discuss with your community stakeholders identified health needs and identified population. As you agree on these issues you will be ready to commence objective 4 (next).