A windshield survey serves as an assessment of the community. You...

A windshield survey serves as an assessment of the community. You will explore, observe, and collect information which can affect the health of people within the selected community. A correlation between the community (living conditions) and an individual's health has been established through studies and evidence-based research.

The community survey is on Central Islip, New York, 11722.

Who are the people in this community? In other words, who do you see? Consider age, ethnicity, and family types.

How do people travel and get around in this community? Do they use a car, train/bus (public transportation), bike, or walk? Are there safe biking/walking paths?

What sorts of businesses and places of employment are in this community? What sorts of jobs are available?

Where do people get their groceries? What types of restaurants are available? Where do people shop? Chain stores? Locally owned stores?

What types of organizations provide services for children and families (e.g., schools, churches/places of worship, youth centers, day cares, Head Start programs, libraries, places of higher education)?

What types of housing is available in this community? Describe the housing conditions.

What healthcare services and resources are available in this community? Full service clinics? Retail clinics? Specialty clinics? Hospitals? Dental services? CAM (complementary alternative medicine)/CAT (complementary alternative therapy)?

Look for the recreation and exercise opportunities in this community? Are there parks/green space/playgrounds? To what extent are these areas maintained?

As you traverse through this community, consider the community's assets and factors that impact the overall health of this community and its members. What characteristic(s) are the most influential to the PHN who works within this community

• Summarize your findings related to the Windshield Survey Elements to observe and the Windshield Survey Guidelines .
• Identify at least two community health issues or problems you feel are significant to a vulnerable population and worthy of further inquiry based on what you observed. One of these will be the focus of your Practice Experience assignments. What is the relationship between the health issues and legal, moral, ethical and safety standards? What are some of the issues associated with patient-centered care concepts?
• Defend your choice of health issues referencing descriptive data from your survey and citation of credible sources.
• Discuss the benefits of conducting a windshield or walking survey to identify and evaluate emerging or ongoing health issues. How do windshield surveys help promote health within the community?