Community empowerment and care management: analysis of the impact of the role of nursing in Primary Health Care in a peri-urban community of Risaralda

Abstract

Introduction: Primary Health Care (PHC) in Colombia faces fragmentation and a biomedical approach that limits the treatment of social determinants of health. The role of nursing in PHC is theoretically key, but its impact on community empowerment is insufficiently evidenced. Objective: To analyze the impact of a PHC-based nursing intervention on the social determinants of health and community empowerment in a vulnerable population in Pereira, Risaralda
Methodology: A mixed-methods study with a participatory action research (PAR) design. The quantitative phase was a pre-post quasi-experimental design without a control group (n=50 families). The qualitative phase was based on grounded theory, using focus groups (n=18) and field notes. The "Nursing at Your Door" intervention included home visits, health education, and intersectoral management over six months. Results: Quantitatively, a significant increase in adherence to health promotion and disease prevention programs was observed (45% to 80%; p<0.01), along with a 20% reduction in emergency room visits for preventable causes (p<0.05). Qualitatively, the central theme that emerged was "nursing as the articulating and translating axis of the system," highlighting trust-building and agency as empowerment mechanisms. Conclusion: The role of nursing in primary health care transcends the clinical realm, operating as a health asset manager that transforms the community-system relationship. Strengthening political and leadership competencies in nursing education is necessary to consolidate this impact