WHO report highlights nurses’ key role in patients’ lifestyle changes and health outcomes
According to a recent report, the more than 19 million nurses and midwives worldwide can play a significant role in decreasing people’s risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes, the 4 non-communicable disease types that account for a combined 60% of all deaths worldwide.
Evidence-based, value-added nursing interventions that have been shown to reduce such risk factors as alcohol dependence, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and unhealthy diets are highlighted in the 38-page groundbreaking new report issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The findings of the report uphold the role of nurses and midwives in preventing disease. It also highlights the importance of funding more research in regard to nurses’ role in counseling patients concerning unhealthy behaviors and healthy lifestyle options. Additionally, the report appeals for a more active role in policy and advocacy among nurses and midwives.
Linda Sarna, a professor at the UCLA School of Nursing and coauthor of the report said, “Nurses and midwives have the expertise to help individuals and communities improve health outcomes. The examples contained in the report are proven activities that nurses can start doing today to make a meaningful impact with their patients and in their community.”
Source: UCLA.
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