POPULATION : Obese Australian school children between the age of 5-14 years old. Description of assignment: Choose a vulnerable population you either have previously been involved in the care of OR a vulnerable population you have an interest in. This should be clearly defined such as adult females in corrections or LGBQTI youth in regional secondary schools, or refugees from war torn countries. You may choose any population from an Australian local or national perspective. If you want to choose a global population ie refugees or an indigenous culture ensure you approach the assignment within the Australian context. Within your assignment you need to discuss:  Discuss WHY your chosen population is considered vulnerable and include: o Social determinants of health and how they impact this population; o Health inequalities (the differences in health status between population groups) such as differences in wellbeing, risk of disease, abuse/violence, healthy life expectancy, morbidity and mortality; o Health inequities (differences in health status between population groups that are socially produced, systematic in their unequal distribution across the population, avoidable and unfair) such as difference in access, affordability, income etc; o Health outcomes – Discuss key health issues impacting this population ie certain disease, mental health issues, injuries etc. (approx.1200 words)  DISCUSS ONE specific health disparity impacting this population: (Health disparity: difference in access or availability of facilities or services): o Present relevant evidence that demonstrates that a health disparity exists ie evidence of lack of sexual health clinics in regional/rural and remote areas or no afterhours GP clinic to deliver vaccination for at risk migrant workers. You may use tables or graphs to display this information. Remember these should add to your discussion not replace discussion. o Describe the impact on health that includes consideration of the relevant social, environmental, economic, and cultural factors. Ie. Higher incidence of STIs such as chlamydia in the LGBQTI population related to safe sex practices and risk factors specific to this group. This is further exacerbated by poor attendance to healthcare facilities for fear of discrimination by healthcare professionals. Here you can make educated links between the cascading effects a health disparity can have on a range of health issues. For example the lesbian client who does not feel comfortable attending the GP for sexual health checkups is also isolated for other preventative health screening such as cervical screening or breast checks, increasing her risk of undiagnosed breast or cervical cancer. (approx. 700 words)  Identify a target audience in a position to make policy decisions or allocate resources for this population. This may be related to allocating resources or funding, approving services, implementing practice changes, or agreeing to a collaborative partnership. Such as a local Foundation, a School Board, the Health Department, a Board of Directors or group of Trustees. Make a rationale for your choice: why does this audience have proven decision making abilities with regards to the chosen population? OR if you discover that resources or practices are currently available but not well utilised discuss how these could be used to promote better health equity and equality for your chosen vulnerable population AND  Propose specific recommendations for a project to this audience who are in a position of making decisions to improve health outcomes for the specific health disparity within this population OR conversely build capacity. These recommendations should include the role of a nurse in achieving better health outcomes and be supported by research that they will have some impact. Such recommendations could include nurse led clinics, education sessions, targeted screening, changing practice (more accessible facilities, services or better trained staff). Be specific about how your recommendations will attempt to overcome the health disparity you highlight and how these may achieve improved health outcomes for this group. Example: improved mental health access for new refugees in regional areas by case workers. Referrals to mental health nurse practitioner within GP clinics will improve access. Research shows improved mental health outcomes when there is early identification of depression, anxiety or post- traumatic stress disorder in refugees (citation). Improved mental health access to a qualified professional leads to better management of mental health issues that may impact quality of life, especially with ability to obtain work and maintain personal and family relationships (citation). For ideas on innovative nurse led programs and clinics that are already providing care to vulnerable populations and providing valuable services check out the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association: https://www.apna.asn.au/nursing-tools/nurse-clinics/case-studies (approx. 300 words)  To conclude, make a descriptive statement that links your recommendations to one of the Standards for Practice for Registered Nurses (2016). In your statement include the standard you feel your exploration of this group links with your ability to achieve person centred care AND why it is important to advocate for vulnerable populations as nurses. For example: Providing specific sex health education to LGBQTI teens could link to Standard 3.2: provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health. See the Registered Nurse Standards for Practice: http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes- Guidelines-Statements/Professional-standards/registered-nurse-standards-for-practice.aspx (approx. 300 words) https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/codes-guidelines-statements/professional-standards/registered-nurse-standards-for-practice.aspx