Overall health and well-being are greatly impacted by the communities in which patients live and work. Access to care is influenced by economic, social, and political issues. Depending on the needs of the individual and the population, it may be a major factor in determining physical, emotional, and mental health as well as morbidity and mortality.

The focus of nursing practice includes wellness promotion, prevention, maintenance, and disease control. At the disease end of the continuum, acute and chronic disorders have traditionally received the majority of attention in healthcare. Nursing care aimed at prevention and education can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare burden, resources, and costs.