An ecological analysis of role symbiosis in a medical practice setting

Abstract

Includes bibliographical references (pages 80-85)

The purpose of this study was to identify, analyze, and articulate the factors and processes involved in the ecological evolution of a health educator's role in the setting of Northridge Hospital.
 Four subproblems were stated: (1) The first subproblem was to articulate a model for an ecological description and analysis of the evolution of a health educator's role in the setting of Northridge Hospital. (2) The second subproblem was to document the ecological factors and processes involved. (3) The third subproblem was to analyze and interpret the ecological factors and processes involved. (4) The fourth subproblem was to provide recommendation and implication for the future evolution of the health educator's role symbiosis in a medical practice setting.
 The review of the literature provided the basis for the construction and articulation of the model. The search extended into four areas: (1) The history and evolution of public health. (2) The current status of health education in the medical practice setting. (3) Social and institutional change process. (4) Ecological theories and concepts regarding ecosystem analysis and evolution.
 The evolution and dynamics of the Primary Community of Northridge Hospital was documented. In order of sequence, they were: (1) The external environmental factors which affected the ecosystem. (2) The concomitant growth pattern of services and departments at Northridge Hospital. (3) The generation of educational ideologies and services culminating in the change of function in the Department of Education.
 Finally, the introduction of the health educator's role and subsequent evolution of the symbiotic relationship were analyzed. The areas analyzed included: (1) The introduction of the health educator's role. (2) The author's proposed approach sequence and profile in the Secondary Community. (3) The functions of the Department of Education at Northridge Hospital. (4) Ecological concepts related to the evolution of role symbiosis. (5) The organizing activities in the evolution of the health educator's role symbiosis in the Secondary Community of Northridge Hospital.
 As a result of this study, the author provided the applicability of the model and further recommendations for research.