Who We Are
​The Global Practice Initiative (GPI) aims to investigate how nurses, who comprise 59% of the global health workforce, can be empowered to effectively engage with and take leadership in influencing upstream SDoH. Through an international collaboration involving a multidisciplinary team from WUN and non-WUN institutions, including the WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Development, the project will explore critical issues regarding nurses' roles in upstream SDoH, culminating in a series of international symposia.
About Upstream SDoH in Nursing Project
This project includes a series of four symposia, the inaugural symposium followed by three symposia focusing on different world regions, to present case studies and facilitate discussions on how to influence upstream SDoH in nursing practice employing case studies and best practices. The symposia will feature experts from various fields, including nursing, public health, and policy, and will serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, generation, and collaboration.
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Symposia Completed
10
Countries Connected
9
Academic Partners
SDoH
Social determinants of health (SDoH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These non-health factors, such as income, education, housing, and access to healthcare, significantly impact a person's health outcomes.
Upstream determinants shape these conditions. They include socio-structural, cultural, economic, and political factors that influence how resources and opportunities are distributed in society. For example, zoning laws can affect housing quality and availability, which in turn impacts health.
SDoH in Nursing
In nursing, understanding the upstream social determinants is crucial. In clinical settings, nurses can use this knowledge to provide more comprehensive care, considering a patient's social context when developing treatment plans. In community settings, nurses can advocate for policies that address upstream determinants, such as promoting access to care or improving education access.
Evidence shows that addressing social determinants can significantly improve health outcomes.
Upstream Determinants
Despite the significant potential for nurses to impact population health by addressing upstream SDoH, current nursing practice largely focuses on downstream (intra and interpersonal) determinants and clinical care, with limited engagement in upstream factors.
This project recognizes the critical need to strengthen nurses' capacity to influence the upstream factors of health inequities. By bringing together international experts, hosting symposia, and developing frameworks for action, the project aims to empower nurses to effectively incorporate upstream SDoH into their practice, ultimately leading to more equitable healthcare delivery worldwide.
Social Determinants
Redefine Practice
Policy Advocacy
Education
Research
Build Collaborations
Our Partners
The Worldwide Universities Network and More
