ALLEGORY OF THE ORCHARD

ALLEGORY OF THE ORCHARD

The Allegory of the Orchard presents barriers and challenges of underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized populations and communities. These barriers and challenges highlight the importance of understanding the impact of political determinants of health on such groups. This allegory encourages an identification, understanding, analysis, and response to these factors as members of the healthcare community.

For this Discussion, consider the role of the political determinants of health on underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized populations and communities. How might advocates address the health disparities to promote equity and access to high quality healthcare?

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.  Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. 

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE:

· View and read the Learning Resources regarding The Allegory of the Orchard.

· Consider the role of political determinants of health on disparities in health for some groups. 

· Consider if advocates should be more concerned with policies that promote equality or equity. 

· Explore your role, as a nurse, in addressing these determinants in our policy advocacy efforts.

BY DAY 3 OF WEEK 1

Post a response detailing the following: 

Use  The Allegory of the Orchard  to discuss how the political determinants of health negatively impact the health outcomes of a group of patients for whom you care. Why are you, as a nurse, the right person to become politically involved in addressing these determinants?

BY DAY 6 OF WEEK 1

Read a selection of your classmates’ posts.  Respond to  at least two of your classmates on  two different days by supporting or expanding on the ideas identified by your classmate or sharing additional perspectives on the issue described by your classmate.

Note: Your responses to classmates should be substantial (250 words minimum), supported with scholarly evidence from your research and/or the Learning Resources, and properly cited using APA Style. Personal anecdotes are acceptable as part of a meaningful response, but cannot stand alone as a response. Your responses should enrich the initial post by supporting and/or offering a fresh viewpoint, and be constructive, thereby enhancing the learning experience for all students.

* Additionally, you must respond to your professor if they ask a question or comment on your post.

Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights that you have gained because of your classmates’ comments.