Curricular Content of Canadian University Schools of Nursing on Lay Support Groups

Authors

  • Miriam Stewart

Abstract

Self-help, mutual aid, strengthened social networks and public participation are widely thought of as mechanisms with which to effect health promotion and primary health care (see, for example, Canadian Nurses Association, 1988; Epp, 1986; World Health Organization, 1984). Nevertheless, not all professionals who might aid this process do so. From the professional viewpoint, lay help groups can seem to be a social movement that challenges professional beliefs, methods and prerogatives (Todres, 1982). Self-help groups hope to demystify professional expertise by shifting power to consumers and altering traditional roles of lay people and professionals (Gartner & Riessman, 1984; Katz & Levin, 1980). Clearly, social support networks should be of particular interest to health professionals because of their impact on health, on health behaviour and on health services utilization (Berkman, 1985; Cohen & Wills, 1985; Gourash, 1978). As Katz (1985) predicts, "The self-help phenomenon is here to stay and professionals must pay attention to how mutual aid ideas and organizations can be more fully used in serving clients" (p. 129). Effective public participation requires that professionals be knowledgeable about community groups and willing to participate in a collaborative, facilitative, consultative, partnership relationship with lay helpers (Government of Canada, 1983; Reid, 1986; Stott, 1983).

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Published

1988-04-13

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Section

Articles