Our Projects
Upstream Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Practice
Project Overview
This project aims to explore how nurses can influence the upstream social determinants of health (SDoH) to improve health outcomes. By focusing on the upstream determinants of poor health, such as inequities in education, housing, employment, gender, and ethnicity, the project seeks to lay the groundwork for nurses to promote social justice, human rights, and health equity in nursing practice. This initiative aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognizing the crucial role of nurses in achieving these global objectives.
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We are inviting novel case studies for the upcoming Regional Symposia to contribute to a future of equitable healthcare for all. Stay tuned!
This project aims to answer...
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How can nurses engage upstream with the social determinants of health?
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What models or frameworks are available and adaptable for such work?
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What is the existing evidence base on nurses’ engagement with social determinants of health, including professional responsibilities and scope of practice?
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How would such an approach be authentically and effectively evaluated?
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What steps are necessary to prepare the nursing profession for such work? (e.g., educational preparation, review of scope of practice, role types/categories of nursing).
The 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.
Symposia schedule and focus
Inaugural Symposium: Introductory Session
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Date: Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM AEST via Zoom
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Regions: All WHO World Regions
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Focus: This introductory symposium will bring together global experts in nursing practice and public health to discuss the significance of influencing upstream SDoH and the current models and frameworks to employ in this pursuit. It will set the stage for the subsequent regional symposia by providing an overview of the models/frameworks, challenges, and opportunities in this field.
Regional Symposium 1: Americas and Western Europe
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Date: Friday, November 1, 2024, at 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)/ 8:00 PM British Summer Time (BST)/ 6:00 AM AEST via Zoom
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Regions: Region of the Americas (AMRO), Western part of the European Region (EURO)
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Focus: Case study presentations from the Americas and Western Europe will explore the unique opportunities, challenges, and strategies in influencing upstream SDoH in these regions. The discussions will highlight how nurses can lead efforts to influence health outcomes through upstream interventions.
Regional Symposium 2: Africa and Eastern Europe
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Date: Friday, November 22, 2024, 7:00 AM South African Standard Time (SAST)/ 8:00 AM Eastern European Time (EET)/ 4:00 PM AEST via Zoom
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Regions: African Region (AFRO), Eastern part of the European Region (EURO), Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO)
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Focus: This symposium will focus on the diverse challenges faced by the African and Eastern European regions. Case studies will demonstrate how nurses in these regions are addressing these issues by influencing upstream SDoH.
Regional Symposium 3: Asia-Pacific
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Date: Friday, December 13, 2024, 8:00 AM India Standard Time (IST)/ 9:30 AM Western Indonesia Time (WIB)/ 11:30 AM Japan Standard Time (JST)/ 12:30 PM AEST via Zoom
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Regions: South-East Asia Region (SEARO), Western Pacific Region (WPRO)
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Focus: The final symposium will cover the Asia-Pacific region, addressing how nurses can influence upstream SDoH in rapidly urbanizing and diverse communities. Case studies will illustrate the role of nurses in promoting sustainable health practices and policies in this region.
Parallel e-Delphi study
In conjunction with the symposia, a parallel eDelphi study will be conducted to gather expert consensus to formulate best practice guidelines for influencing upstream SDoH into nursing practice. This study aims to produce a globally acknowledged consensus document, providing a robust foundation for future nursing education, practice, and policy development. By engaging a diverse panel of international experts from nursing, public health, and related fields, the eDelphi study will ensure that the guidelines are both comprehensive and adaptable to various healthcare settings. The outcomes of this study are expected to significantly influence how nurses are trained and supported to address upstream SDoH, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes worldwide.