A public health nurse is coordinating with a community health team. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates that they understand their role and the nature of collaboration?

Choice A: Develop a Team Strategy
Developing a team strategy is an important step in the CHANGE model, but it is not the first step. Before a strategy can be developed, it is essential to have a team in place. The team will collaborate to create a strategy that aligns with the community's needs and goals.

Choice B: Gather Data
Gathering data is a crucial part of the community assessment process. However, it is not the initial step in the CHANGE model. Data collection comes after the team has been assembled and a strategy has been developed. The team needs to be in place to determine what data is needed and how it will be collected.

Choice C: Build the Community Action Plan
Building the community action plan is a later step in the CHANGE model. This step involves using the data collected to develop a plan that addresses the community's health needs. The action plan is created after the team has been assembled, a strategy has been developed, and data has been gathered.

Choice D: Assemble the Team
This is the correct first step in the CHANGE model. Assembling the team involves bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders who will work collaboratively to assess the community and develop an action plan. The team typically includes representatives from various sectors of the community, such as health care, education, business, and local government.

Choice A: Implementing the Teach Back Method When Prescribing Medication
The Teach Back Method is an effective communication strategy where healthcare providers ask clients to repeat back the information given to ensure understanding. While this method can improve medication adherence and health literacy, it does not directly address the broader systemic issues related to poverty. It is a useful tool but not the most impactful intervention for breaking the cycle of poverty.

Choice B: Replacing Medicare Programs with Medigap Policies
Medigap policies are supplemental insurance plans that cover costs not included in traditional Medicare. However, replacing Medicare programs with Medigap policies would not necessarily improve outcomes for clients impacted by poverty. Medigap policies can be expensive and may not be affordable for low-income individuals. This intervention does not address the root causes of poverty or improve access to essential health services.

Choice C: Eliminating the Use of Client Portals or Virtual Visits
Eliminating client portals or virtual visits would likely have a negative impact on client outcomes, especially for those in poverty who may have limited access to transportation. Virtual visits and client portals provide convenient access to healthcare services, allowing clients to communicate with providers, access medical records, and receive care without the need for in-person visits. Removing these options would reduce access to care for many individuals.

Choice D: Opening a Community Health Center in an Underserved Area
This is the correct choice. Opening a community health center in an underserved area directly addresses the lack of access to healthcare services, which is a significant barrier for individuals living in poverty. Community health centers provide comprehensive primary care, preventive services, and support for managing chronic conditions. They often offer sliding scale fees based on income, making healthcare more affordable and accessible for low-income populations. By improving access to healthcare, community health centers can help break the cycle of poverty and improve overall health outcomes.