AACN Essentials Domain 1: Knowledge for Nursing Practice
“Focuses on the discipline of nursing knowledge and other disciplinary knowledge.” (AACN, 2021, p. 27).
AACN Essentials Domain 3: Population Health
“Focuses on care of populations, health prevention, disease management, and health outcomes” (AACN, 2021, p. 33).
Domain 3: Essential Knowledge
To meet the objectives for Domain 3, knowledge is required in:
- Epidemiological and population health data and outcomes specific to mental health and psychiatric disorders
- Collaborative relationships and partnerships with multiple community sectors
- Equitable health care policy as it relates to promoting optimal mental health across populations
- Cost effective, accessible, and equitable resources to promote mental health across populations
- Interventions to promote mental health in populations before, during, and after disasters
- Advocacy for equitable health care policy at the local, state, regional, national, and international level
Domain 3: Leveling of the AACN Essential Objectives
“3.1 Manage population health.” |
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| Beginning of Program | Middle of Program | End of Program | |
| “3.1j. Assess the efficacy of system’s capability to serve a target sub-population health care needs.” | Describe indicators useful in measuring a system’s ability to provide population health to sub-populations. | Appraise effective evaluation methods of system capacities to meet the population health needs of target populations. | Construct evaluation of system capacities to meet the population health needs of target populations. |
| “3.1k Analyze primary and secondary population health data for multiple populations against relevant benchmarks.” | Identify risk and protective factors for mental health disorders and environmental influences; assessing developmental and behavioral health in individuals throughout the life span. | Measure the impact of services & interventions (outcome probabilities, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, and cost-utility) on populations against relevant benchmarks. | Evaluate the characteristics of communities and groups that are associated with disproportionate burden of mental health disorders. Develop new methods of assessment and planning model frameworks and assessment tools. |
| “3.1l Use established or evolving methods to determine population-focused priorities for care.” | Understand evidence-based practice and its relationship to evidence-based research. Recognize multiple social determinants of health and risk and protective factors. |
Utilize standards, methods, & criteria appropriate to establishing guidelines aligned with the meeting the social indicators of health. Employ evidence-based research relevant to target population. |
Integrate findings of population health evidenced based guidelines and data to determine priorities for care for vulnerable specified populations. |
| “3.1m Develop a collaborative approach with relevant stakeholders to address population healthcare needs, including evaluation methods.” | Describe interventions to meet health needs of the general population. | Evaluate the number, frequency and successes of community-based health intervention program changes. | Create intervention programs supporting early detection, prenatal care, immunization, well child exams, wellness programs across the lifespan, & chronic disease models. Develop methods to measure positive individual and population level-based behavior change. |
| “3.1n Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to implement a sociocultural and linguistically responsive intervention plan.” | Advocate for psychiatric and biopsychosocial treatment for health care consumers/families with understanding and consideration of cultural variables. | Evaluate the number of meetings and engagement with consumers and stakeholders. Analyze consumer and stakeholders’ satisfaction feedback relevant to cultural values and linguistical practices and communication. |
Construct culturally and linguistically relevant community-based approaches with consumers and stakeholders to facilitate health promotion strategies. Design individual and community education and incentives for behavioral and structural changes. |
“3.2 Engage in effective partnerships.” |
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| Beginning of Program | Middle of Program | End of Program | |
| “3.2d Ascertain collaborative opportunities for individuals and organizations to improve population health.” | Explore potential partnerships to develop population health policies at the local, state, national, and global levels. | Analyze partnerships for the development of population health policies at the local, state, national, and global levels. | Create partnerships for the development of population health policies at the local, state, national, and global levels. |
| “3.2e Challenge biases and barriers that impact population health outcomes.” | Apply ecological frameworks in developing systems associated with population health. | Organize principles of community engagement to prioritize interventions and build community capacity. | Critically analyze data which supports positive population health outcomes and variables that may impede or reduce expected behavioral health outcomes measures. |
| “3.2f Evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships for achieving health equity.” | Focus on needs of consumer and ensure individuals can access and optimize systems. Support the integrity of behavioral telehealth treatment. | Coordinate alignment of resources with individual and population needs. | Conduct a critical analysis of satisfaction surveys. Demonstrate evidence of collaboration with stakeholders and partners. |
| “3.2g Lead partnerships to improve population health outcomes.” | Construct evidence-based research utilizing emerging neuroscience to support evidenced based-practice and community networks to improve population outcomes. | Develop & maintain partnerships among key stakeholders by creating strategies for building community capacity. | Expand partnerships and engagement in community health initiatives through dissemination of evidence-based treatment to improve population outcomes. |
| “3.2 h Assess preparation and readiness of partners to organize during natural and manmade disasters.” | Explore available partner preparation and readiness for natural and manufactured disasters. | Analyze available resources to meet natural and manmade disasters. | Construct a plan for preparedness and readiness in collaboration with partners to organize during natural and man made disasters. |
“3.3 Consider the economic impact of the delivery of health care.” |
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| Beginning of Program | Middle of Program | End of Program | |
| “3.3c Analyze cost benefits of selected population- based interventions.” | Describe what is known about the effectiveness of population-based intervention in comparison to the costs. | Identify barriers that may be affecting the feasibility of population-based intervention. | Evaluate research or systems change needed to improve population-based intervention, improve cost effectiveness and /or assure ethical distribution of services are delivered. |
| “3.3d Collaborate with partners to secure and leverage resources necessary for effective, accessible and equitable resources for population.” | Apply ecological frameworks in developing systems associated with population health. | Organize principles of community engagement to prioritize interventions and build community capacity. | Expand potential community partners to support strategies for accessible care for all populations. |
| “3.3e Advocate for interventions that maximize cost-effective, accessible and equitable resources for populations.” | Focus on needs of consumer and ensure individuals can access and optimize systems, support the integrity of psychiatric mental health virtual treatment | Coordinate alignment of resources with individual and population needs. | Advocate for ethical standards to guide the development of public health policies. Disseminate evidence-based practice guidelines for provides of psychiatric/mental health care. |
| “3.3f Incorporate ethical principals in achieving equitable health care.” | Support access of quality behavioral health in vulnerable populations while maintaining HIPAA compliance. | Expand knowledge regarding sources and models of payment associated with psychiatric/mental health care. | Influence policy related to legislation and professional organizations and special interest groups that support equitable health for populations. |
“3.4 Advance equitable population health policy.” |
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| Beginning of Program | Middle of Program | End of Program | |
| “3.4f Identify opportunities to influence the policy process.” | Recognize opportunities to influence population health policies at the local, state, national, and global level. | Differentiate between health policy & policies that affect health outcomes. | Interpret the leadership roles influencing population health policies at the local, state, and national level. |
| “3.4g Design comprehensive advocacy strategies to support the policy process.” | Discuss the public’s view of advocacy strategies needed to create population health policies. | Examine strategies to create population health policies. | Execute strategies to implement population health policies. |
| “3.4h Engage in strategies to influence policy change.” | Investigate the key stakeholders’ role in creating population health policies. | Distinguish successful strategies regarding influencing population health policies. | Create strategies to influence population health strategies. |
| “3.4i Contribute to policy development at the system, local, regional, or national levels.” | Design pathways to participate in population health policies development at the local, state, and national levels. | Identify barriers that prevent the development of population health policies. | Implement effective routes for population health policy development. |
| “3.4j Assess the impact of policy changes.” | Describe resources needed to evaluate the impact of population health policies. | Assess methods of measuring the impact of population health policies. | Practice consistent methods of evaluation regarding measurement of impact of population health policies. |
| “3.4k Evaluate the ability of policy to address disparities and inequities within segments of the population.” | Discuss the influence of the social indicators or health in the development of population health policies. | Analyze population health policies for intended and unintended consequences. | Integrate effective evaluation methods to identify potential impact of population health policies creating disparities and inequities on populations. |
| “3.4l Evaluate the risks to population health associated with globalization.” | Distinguish risks regarding the implementation of population health policies at the local, state, national, and global levels. | Critique methods of policy evaluation specifically addressing global implementation of population health policies. | Formulate a method of policy evaluation that identifies the potential risks associated with the implementation of population health policies. |
“3.5 Demonstrate advocacy strategies.” |
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| Beginning of Program | Middle of Program | End of Program | |
| “3.5f Appraise advocacy priorities for a population.” | Apply assessment, diagnosis, care planning, psychoeducation and advocacy essential to nursing practice. | Develop policies supportive of processes involving problem identification, analysis, and dissemination impacting on individual and population health. | Evaluate outcomes of population health using available sources of data to inform nursing practice, guidelines, and policies. |
| “3.5g Strategize with an interdisciplinary group and others to develop effective advocacy approaches.” | Identify interdisciplinary groups and form task force to support advocacy. | Support the role of stakeholder engagement while developing advocacy strategies for individuals and populations. | Demonstrate evidence of effectiveness of interdisciplinary advocacy strategies while working with individuals, families and communities. |
| “3.5h Engage in relationship-building activities with stakeholders at any level of influence, including system, local, state, national, and/or global.” | Partner with communities to determine root causes of mental health disparities and improve mental health outcomes. | Align resources within communities to meet health needs of individuals and populations and addressing social indicators of health. | Monitor frequency of interdisciplinary activities connecting with stakeholders to support community, state, national and global mental health. |
| “3.5i Demonstrate leadership skills to promote advocacy efforts that include principles of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.” | Deliver community-based psychiatric/mental health care. Advocate for policies promoting psychiatric/mental health care and literacy. | Construct community-based approaches to facilitate health promotion to meet the needs of individuals and populations and communities. | Exhibit measurable leadership skills while constructing community-based approaches to facilitate health promotion among all populations. |
“3.6 Advance preparedness to protect population health during disasters and public health emergencies.” |
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| Beginning of Program | Middle of Program | End of Program | |
| “3.6f Collaboratively initiate rapid response activities to protect population health.” | Understand evidence-based rapid response models and interventions to protect population health across the life span. | Outline access to public health core functions and essential services of the public to individuals and populations and communities. | Create collaborative pathways to provide emergency preparedness & disaster response. |
| “3.6g Participate in ethical decision making that includes diversity, equity, and inclusion in advanced preparedness to protect populations.” | Foster competency in disaster nursing focusing on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery and rehabilitation in a wide variety of activities including public health preparation, triage, complex communication, ethical challenges, and organization and management strategies. |
Collaborate with local, state, national, and international health services to provide response to needs of individuals and populations in emergencies/disasters. | Exhibit competency in effective communication, psychological first aid, and support recovery efforts during emergency and disaster responses. |
| “3.6h Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to lead preparedness and mitigation efforts to protect population health with attention to the most vulnerable populations.” | Ensure a safe environment while providing services to both victims and relief workers within potential resource poor settings. | Maintain resources for resiliency among individuals and populations during emergencies/disasters. | Demonstrate frequency and duration of collaborative efforts with interdisciplinary teams to create preparedness for public health emergencies. |
| “3.6i Coordinate the implementation of evidence-based infection control measures and proper use of personal protective equipment.” | Foster competency in disaster nursing focusing on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery/rehabilitation. | Coordinate communication and enforce appropriate prevention measures during emergencies and disasters for individuals and populations in a timely manner. | Exhibit competency in translating evidence-based research into strategies to provide safety to individuals and populations in the event of an emergency or disaster response. |
| “3.6j Contribute to system-level planning, decision making, and evaluation for disasters and public health emergencies.” | Foster competency in disaster nursing focusing on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery/rehabilitation. | Cooperate with agencies to sustain appropriate responses during emergencies/disasters to create effective system response. | Integrate concepts related to disaster nursing within a multi-agency/interdisciplinary approach in creating responses to an emergency or disaster. |
Domain 3: Teaching/Learning Strategies
Examples of Classroom and Clinical/Practicum Strategies
Example 1
Description: Framework to Study Vulnerable Populations
The purpose of this assignment is to utilize a recognized framework to study a vulnerable population.
| Criteria | Points |
| Abstract: 100-150-word description of your paper (not the topic alone). List 3-5 key words in the Keyword section. | 5 |
| Introduction: Briefly describe the framework used to study a specific vulnerable population. In addition, describe the chosen population and the influence of vulnerability and reason(s) selected for the assignment | 10 |
| Key Concepts: Fully describe terms related to vulnerability: capability or susceptibility for injury or disease, threat, weakness, damage, harm, hurt, category versus individuals/families, dimensions (physical, emotional, psychological, social, economic; individuals, groups, communities, countries), internal (frailty, disease, disability) versus external), income, access to healthcare, environment), power, control | 10 |
| Critical Appraisal: Identify at least 1 clinical issue impacting on a specific population. Examine how vulnerability may influence this clinical issue. Support with a minimum of 3 primary research articles published within the last 3-5 years. | 20 |
| Application of Evidence: Describe a minimum of 3 evidence-based research interventions to improve a clinical issue impacting on a specific population influenced by vulnerability. Use a minimum of 3 evidence-based research articles published within the last 3-5 years to support statements. | 20 |
| Analysis: Synthesize the evidence-based research to create a solution to the proposed clinical practice problem affecting populations influenced by vulnerability. | 20 |
| Summary: Provide a summary of how evidence-based research creates possible solutions to clinical practice problems involving populations influenced by vulnerability. | 10 |
| APA (7th Edition) Format is required. References Attach all 6 of the research articles for the assignment to the assigned drop box. Each article must be attached as a pdf. The article must be complete, not a summary or abstract. |
5 |
Example 2
Description: Research with Vulnerable Populations
The purpose of this assignment is to investigate the influence of vulnerability on both the process and outcome of research.
| Criteria | Points |
| Abstract: This is a 100-150-word description of your paper (not the topic alone). List 3-5 key words in the Keyword section | 5 |
| Key Concepts: Explore the following concepts in their relationship to vulnerability in populations: clinical trial practices, regulations, presence of disease, access to treatment, treatment-naïve subjects, literacy, socio-economic circumstances, cultural and ethnic influences, availability of choice, informed consent, withholding of care, ethical concerns, participatory action research | 1 |
| Introduction: Describe at least 3-4 factors in clinical practice creating conditions that influence vulnerability within a population and the role of research in this area.
Critical Appraisal: Examine participatory action research and how it is conducted in a manner that is mindful of the influence of vulnerability on both the process and outcome of research. Discuss how participatory action research breaks down barriers between the researcher and participants. Describe how the process of participatory action research creates an approach to problem-solving through a cycle of planning, action and reflection (PAR). Support with a minimum of 3 primary research articles that utilize participatory action research published within the last 3-5 years. The articles need to focus on the influence of vulnerability on both the process and outcome of research within a population. |
1 |
| Application of Evidence: Discuss a minimum of 3 interventions needed to reduce barriers and support the process of participatory action research in clinical practice that is mindful of the influence of vulnerability on both the process and outcome of research. Use a minimum of 3 evidence-based research articles published within the last 3-5 years to support statements. | 20 |
| Analysis: Provide analysis of specific strategies to eliminate common barriers and create a clinical environment that supports evidence-based practice in populations influenced by reducing clinical conditions | 20 |
| Summary: Provide synthesis of evidence-based research describing factors influencing the adoption of evidence-based practices in the clinical setting dealing with populations who are at risk for vulnerability | 10 |
| APA (7th Edition) Format is required. References Attach all 6 of the research articles for the assignment to the assigned drop box. Each article must be attached as a pdf. The article must be complete, not a summary or abstract. |
5 |
Example 3
Description: Socioeconomic Impact of Delivery of Population Health Care
The purpose of this assignment is to develop an understanding of cost/benefit analysis when developing and evaluating the delivery of population health care.
| Criteria | Points |
| Examine a psychiatric mental health population-based intervention (e.g., universal mental health screening in schools, screening for depression and anxiety in primary care settings, suicide screening hotlines, medication assisted treatment for substance use) and develop a presentation analyzing the cost/ benefit in respect to improved outcomes of the population based behavioral health problem. Include the following components: |
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| Introduction: Identify the targeted problem (e.g., lack of identification of children with mental health disorders in school) and targeted outcomes. Identify an ecological framework to support the proposed problem statement and intervention.
Key concepts: cost/benefit analysis; sustainability; accessibility, acceptability, equitable resource allocation; partnerships, consumer satisfaction; effectiveness |
20 |
| Critical Analysis: Describe what is known about the effectiveness of the intervention in comparison to the costs. What are the barriers that may be affecting the feasibility of the intervention? What is the time involvement, training needed, and stakeholder’s acceptability. Explore community resources such as ACT team, disaster preparedness. | 20 |
| Application of Evidence: Discuss the research or systems change needed to improve the issue and or intervention, improve cost effectiveness and /or assure ethical distribution of services are delivered. Use a minimum of 3 evidence-based research articles published within the last 3-5 years to support statements. | 15 |
| Analysis: Provide analysis of specific strategies to eliminate common barriers and create adoption of the intervention which is acceptable to stakeholders. | 15 |
| Dissemination: Describe potential stakeholders (e.g., community members, legislative bodies. Professional organizations, board members) in which this information should be disseminated and what would be the most way to disseminate. | 15 |
| Presentation quality: Conciseness, clarity, creativity and professionalism |
15
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Example 4
Description: The Impact of Healthcare Policies on Vulnerable Populations
The purpose of this assignment is to explore health policy and the influence of vulnerability on health policy.
| Criteria | Points |
| Abstract: This is a 100-150-word description of your paper (not the topic alone). List 3-5 key words. | 5 |
| Introduction: Describe the historical rationale and context for the selected policy. Discuss the relationship of vulnerability to the policy within a specific population. |
10 |
| Key Concepts: Examine forces that shape health policy: policy, health policy, values, goals, politics, special interest groups, media, science, research, power, stakeholders, economics, political viability. | 20 |
| Application of Evidence: Discuss a minimum of 3 interventions needed to reduce barriers and support the process of participatory action research in clinical practice that is mindful of the influence of vulnerability on both the process and outcome of research. Use a minimum of 3 evidence-based research articles published within the last 3-5 years to support statements. | 20 |
| Critical Appraisal: Discuss a health policy using the Data Driven Policy Making Model cited below. Integrate the concept of vulnerability throughout each step. Support with a minimum of 3 primary research articles published within the last 3-5 years.
* Jones J, Lee D & Bayhi L. (2016). The data-driven policy analysis framework as a template for healthcare policy analysis. |
25 |
Policy Evaluation: Integrate the concept of vulnerability throughout the discussion.
|
25 |
| Summary: Provide synthesis of evidence-based research describing impact of vulnerability influencing health policy. | 10 |
| APA (7th Edition) Format is required. References Attach all 6 of the research articles for the assignment to the assigned drop box. Each article must be attached as a pdf. The article must be complete, not a summary or abstract |
5 |
Example 5
Description: Advocacy Strategies
The purpose of this assignment is to develop an understanding of advocacy organizations for psychiatric mental health in your community and discuss strategies a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner can participate in advocating for improved access to quality mental health care in the community.
| Criterion | Points |
Introduction: Identify a vulnerable psychiatric mental health population group (e.g., children with mental health in foster care, developmental disabilities [adult or children], individuals with addictions, incarcerated individual with mental illness, geriatrics) and identify an advocacy group associated with that group in your community. If you cannot identify a specific advocacy group in your community, consider National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Contact a leader in the designated group and set up a time for 15–20-minute interview to identify the following:
|
10 |
| Key Concepts: Advocacy priorities; coalitions; stakeholder engagement; relationship building | 10 |
| Critical Appraisal: What advocacy strategies have been the most helpful in supporting this population and which have been least helpful? | 15 |
| Describe how the current advocacy group supports evidence-based nursing practice, guidelines, and policies. | 15 |
| What are the gaps in nursing involvement and how could nursing participate as an advocate in this organization? | 10 |
| What specific strategies could be adopted and supported through professional nursing organizations? | 10 |
| Summary: Provide a summary of how advocacy creates possible solutions to clinical practice problems involving populations influenced by vulnerability. | 15 |
| APA (7th Edition) Format is required. | 5 |
Example 6
Description: Advance Preparedness During Disasters and Public Health Emergencies
The purpose of this group assignment is to collaborate with interprofessional team members in assuring the community / institution is prepared to respond to population physical, social and mental health needs during a disaster and public health emergency.
| Criterion | Points |
| Introduction: Coordinate an interprofessional simulation activity with various disciplines (e.g., public health, medicine, emergency response teams, community leaders, community mental health providers) and conduct a virtual simulation role play based upon a case study surrounding a natural disaster that may be typical in your community (e.g., tornado, hurricane, flooding, avalanche, forest fire).
Key Concepts: Identify key concepts: emergency preparedness, psychological first aid; collaboration, natural disasters, response, recovery, rehabilitation; public health emergencies. |
10 |
| Critical Appraisal: Identification of stakeholders and disciplines to be involved. | 10 |
| Coordination of arranging team members to be involved. | 15 |
| Development of Case Study. Educational preparation/teaching required for all disciplines. |
15 |
| Identification of roles for each team member. | 5 |
| Application of Evidence: Utilize in the case study a minimum of 3 evidenced based strategies that have been implemented in communities toward improving population safety during natural disasters. | 10 |
| Analysis: Conducts an evaluation tool to assess the satisfaction and effectiveness of the learning opportunity. | 15 |
| Assess the data on the evaluation tool and revise implementation of the simulation project as needed for ongoing quality improvement. | 10 |
| Leadership: Demonstrate leadership in assuring all team members participate and remain engage in the case study/simulation project. | 10 |
Domain 3: Resources
Articles/Textbooks
American Association of College of Nurses. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Technical assistance publication (TAP 34), Disaster planning handbook for behavioral health service programs (SAMHSA Publication No. PEP21-02-01-001).
Welch, T. D., & Smith, T. B. (2022). AACN essentials as the conceptual thread of nursing education. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 46(3), 234-244.
Websites
Clinical Prevention and Population Health Curriculum Framework. Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (2020)
Psychological First Aid. National Child Traumatic Stress Network (n.d.)
The Community Toolbox – University of Kansas Publications
Red Cross
