Final Recommendations from the World Health Organisation Commission on the Social Determinants of Health: Nurses, part of the solution? A discussion paper.

Abstract

Aim This paper suggests that nursing needs a new paradigm for research and practice that recognises the social determinants of health as potentially preventable causes of ill health. It is clear from the recent report from the World Health Organisation Commission on the Social Determinants of Health that nurses are critical to global change through their ability to champion a `social determinants of health` approach with partner agencies. Data Sources Relevant literature searches have been undertaken to inform this discussion paper using the following databases in late 2008/early 2009 including the previous twenty years as relevant (British Nursing Index, Medline and Cinahl). In addition relevant international policy documents have been referred to from 2000 on. Discussion On the publication of this report it is timely for nurses to take stock of how they might be most effective in reducing inequities in health as part of a global work force and resource for health. Many nurses will feel that they already work to promote social justice and poverty reduction yet their scope of action is often limited by their specific sector. Do nurses need a new paradigm for research and practice that focuses on the social determinants of health as potentially preventable causes of ill health? Conclusion Nurses need to strengthen their strategic skills to reaffirm inequities in health as a priority within often complex local circumstances and to enable them and those they care for to influence local and national policy, research and practice development. Key words – health, inequities, nursing practice