Consumer survey: an approach to teaching consumer participation in community health.

This consumer survey conducted by senior baccalaureate students in a family and community nursing course developed as a result of student recognition of the need for direct consumer input in identification of community health needs. The format was developed, pretested and revised by faculty. The door-to-door survey was carried out by pairs of students during clinical time over a six-week period. Through a written summary of the experience and class discussion students indicated an increased awareness of the community as a dynamic reality and a heightened awareness of their caseload families' relationships to the community. Students also demonstrated an appreciation for consumer representation in health planning and for some of the strengths and weaknesses of surveying as a method for consumer involvement.