Chapter 12 Health Risk Appraisal

Health Risk Appraisal Tool Provides an estimate of health threats Identifies personal habits that impact health Enhances decision making process Increase knowledge of personal susceptibility to disease Stimulate lifestyle change Promote health

History Developed during World War II Used as a counseling tool in the 1950s Early 1980s nurses began using them 1980s and 90s used in homes, community, and worksite programs

Classification of Risk Factors Genetic Age Biologic characteristics Personal health habits Lifestyle Environment

Classification of Risk Factors Validity, reliability, effectiveness Lack of documented reliability and validity for most instruments in use Effectiveness remains in question

Use of HRA Appropriate and inappropriate use of HRA Intended for persons free of disease Not intended to diagnose or screen for disease Not a substitute for a medical exam or complete history

HRA Guidelines Ethical principles involved Confidentiality Voluntary participation Appropriateness for population Quality assurance

HRA Guidelines Health Assessment Program Planning Health Assessment Instrument Selection Health Assessment Participant Orientation Health Assessment Administration Health Assessment Data Security Health Assessment Report Interpretation Health Promotion Resource Accessibility

Selection of Appropriate Tool Keep in mind the target audience Most tools consist of 40-80 questions Lifestyle or behavioral area

Implications for Public Health Nursing Healthy People 2010 overarching goals Increase quality and years of healthy life Eliminate health disparities Can be used as a surveillance tool

Implications Public health nurses can use HRAs to monitor for: Infectious and chronic disease Injuries and specialized conditions Expand use of HRAs as a component of a larger health promotion intervention