Windshield survey & problem list

Part A

A windshield survey can be conducted from a car, bus, bike or walking and provides a visual overview of a community. Conditions and trends in the community that could affect the health of the population should be noted. Nurses must be able to knowledgeably plan services for individuals, families and the community. In order to effectively plan, it is essential that the nurse is aware of the resources specific to the community a client resides in to allow for identification of health-related resources and to understand gaps in services.

1. Identify a community, district, or neighborhood you wish to survey.

2. Complete the table below, answering each question. This is a Word document. The boxes can be expanded to accommodate more text.
If you cannot find one of the services/resources listed in the template, how far does the individual have to travel to find these services?

Item

Assessment Findings and Any Pertinent Analysis of Findings

Neighborhood Boundaries

· What defines the North, South, East, and West boundaries? Roads, water, railroads?

· Is the community identified by a name?

· Commercial or residential

Housing

· Approximate age, type of architecture

· Types of construction materials

· Single or multi-family dwellings

· General condition and appearance

· Size of yards

· How is the space between houses used? Is it safe? Is it attractive?

· Streetlights, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, open drainage ditches

· Vacant lots

· Abandoned cars

Open Spaces

· How much green space is seen?

· Parks and recreational; areas, Lighted?

· Public open space or private. Does it appear to be used? By whom?

· Are they safe and maintained?

· Trash, abandoned vehicles

Schools

· Presence of elementary, middle and high school

· Private or public

· Play areas, sports fields

· School grounds well-kept

· School bus stops, Cross walks for pedestrians

Business

· Shopping centers

· Neighborhood stores

· Grocery stores

· Pharmacies

· Gas stations

· Ethnic stores or stores that display information other than in English

· Signs advertising alcohol, tobacco

If the above are not present, how far do the members of the community have to travel to utilize these types of businesses? Be specific. How many miles to a grocery store? A pharmacy? A gas station?

Religion

· What denomination of churches are present?

· How many are there of each denomination?

· Evidence of use for other than worship purposes (schools, daycare)

Human services

· Hospitals, Health services

· Physician offices, health clinics or health centers, dentists

· Alternative medicine (acupuncture, massage)

· Social agencies – Welfare, WIC, social services

· Senior centers, child care centers

· Post office

Transportation

· How do people get in and out of the neighborhood? Car, bus, train, bicycle, walk

· Streets and roads conducive to transportation?

· Condition of the streets

· Bus stops and public transportation

· High traffic area?

· Speed limit signs, speed zones

Protective Services

· Police, Fire and Emergency services

· Fire stations, fire hydrants

· Evidence of security systems in the homes

· Neighborhood Watch program

· Evacuation route(s) posted?

· Emergency shelter

Neighborhood Life

· Who is present on the streets – Men, women, children, teens, the elderly

· What ethnic groups are part of the neighborhood

· Bilingual signage?

· Evidence of informal gathering spaces/hangouts – What are they? Who are they for?

· Social clubs or cultural organizations

· Is there a Community Center?

· Evidence of interaction among neighbors

· Evidence of homelessness

· Animals present (stray dogs/cats, dogs on leashes)

Industries

· What are the major industries located in the area?

· What types of occupations are evident?

Communication

· Is there evidence of local and national newspapers or other media?

· Are there informational posters on streets, busses, billboards, etc.?

Politics & Government

· Is there evidence of political activity?

· Are there any signs that indicate a predominant political party (parties)or concern(s)?

Health and Morbidity

· Is there evidence of any health problems such as drug/alcohol abuse, communicable or chronic diseases, mental illness (etc)?

Part B

Develop at least 3 potential community issues/concerns/problems identified from the Windshield Survey, data collected, and local statistics.

1.

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