Assessment 2: Written Assignment – Case Study Analysis

NURS 1017 Primary Health Care in Action

Western Sydney University (WSU) – Autumn 2025

• Assessment Type: Written Case Study Analysis

• Weighting: 40%

• Word Count: 1,500 words (+/- 10%)

• Due Date: Monday, Week 9, by 11:59 PM (AEST)

• Submission: Turnitin via vUWS

1. Overview of the Task

In this assessment, we are asking you to “put on your primary health care nurse hat” and look deeply at the life of a person in our community. We want you to step away from just treating a physical symptom and instead look at the whole person—their environment, their history, and the systems around them.

You will choose one of the three case studies provided in the vUWS ‘Assessment’ folder (typically these involve a complex scenario like a refugee family, an older person with chronic disease living alone, or an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander family facing access barriers). Your goal is to analyse the health inequities present and propose primary health care (PHC) strategies to support them.

2. Assignment Instructions

Please structure your essay using the following headings. This helps keep your arguments clear and ensures you hit all the marking criteria.

Introduction (approx. 150 words)

Don’t just list what you will do—tell us the story of why this matters. Briefly introduce your chosen case study and the key health issues involved. Define Primary Health Care (PHC) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and state clearly that you will be using a social model of health to analyse the situation.

Social Determinants of Health (approx. 400 words)

This is where you dig deep. Identify two (2) key Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) impacting the person in your case study.

• Don’t just list them (e.g., “housing” or “income”). Explain how these determinants are directly causing poor health outcomes for this specific individual.

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• Use evidence! Back up your claims with data (e.g., AIHW reports) showing that these determinants are known drivers of health inequity in Australia.

Application of The Ottawa Charter (approx. 500 words)

Now, how do we fix it? Select two (2) action areas from the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (e.g., Building Healthy Public Policy, Creating Supportive Environments, Strengthening Community Action, Developing Personal Skills, or Reorienting Health Services).

• Propose specific, realistic nursing interventions for your case study that align with these action areas.

• For example, if you choose “Developing Personal Skills,” don’t just say “educate the patient.” Describe a health literacy program tailored to their cultural needs.

The Role of the PHC Nurse (approx. 300 words)

Reflect on your role. How does a Registered Nurse in a primary health care setting act as an advocate and a collaborator?

• Discuss the importance of cultural safety and collaboration (working with the patient, not just for them).

• Explain how you would work with other health professionals (interdisciplinary team) to ensure continuity of care.

Conclusion (approx. 150 words)

Summarise your main points. Reiterate why a comprehensive PHC approach is more effective than a band-aid solution for addressing the health inequities identified in your case study.

3. Formatting & Presentation Requirements

• Font: Arial or Times New Roman, size 11 or 12.

• Spacing: 1.5 or double spacing.

• File Format: Word Document (.doc or .docx).

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• Referencing: You must use APA 7th or Harvard WesternSydU style (check your Learning Guide for the specific preference this semester).

• Minimum References: At least 8 academic sources (peer-reviewed journals, government reports, or textbooks) published between 2018 and 2025.

4. Grading Criteria (Marking Rubric Summary)

• Analysis of SDOH (30%): clearly links social factors to health outcomes with strong evidence.

• Application of PHC Principles/Ottawa Charter (30%): interventions are creative, realistic, and clearly linked to the Charter’s action areas.

• Role of the Nurse (20%): demonstrates a clear understanding of advocacy, cultural safety, and partnership.

• Academic Literacy (20%): flow, grammar, spelling, and correct referencing technique.

Learning Resources & References

1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (2024). Australia’s health 2024: data insights. AIHW. https://www.aihw.gov.au

2. Commission on Social Determinants of Health. (2021). Social determinants of health: Key concepts. World Health Organization.

3. Grant, J., & Parry, Y. (2022). ‘Primary health care and the role of the nurse in addressing health equity in Australia’. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 28(3), pp. 195–202. https://doi.org/10.1071/PY21156

4. Keleher, H., & MacDougall, C. (2022). Understanding health: A determinants approach (5th ed.). Oxford University Press.

5. Marmot, M. (2020). ‘Health equity in England: The Marmot Review 10 years on’. BMJ, 368, m693. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.m693 (Excellent for global context on SDOH).

6. Talbot, L., & Verrinder, G. (2021). Promoting health: The primary health care approach (7th ed.). Elsevier Australia.