PREFACE The fifth edition of lhe book Nursing Practice in Lhe Commun ity focuses on theory-based practice methodologies using the competenc.-y-based framework. Theories which describe, explain and predict behavior of clients (particu](lrl y families, groups and the community) pro~ide background framework s to guide readers on the bases for the selection of content and critical thinking directions by phase of the nursing process. Within these purpose s and background of the book, the cdito1· and contributing authors hope to enhance the teaching-learning empowering compelencics of practitioners, teachers and students based on the uniqueness of every client and the health-healing situation in every nurse-client relationship. Precision a Dd cohel'cnce in concept elaboration and illustration hopefu Jly achieve clarity iu b,-eaking <lown complex processes to describe the application of the 11u1·sing process by type of dieat. Particularly fo. r clinical instructors and students challenged enough to pursue the breadth and depth of community health nun;:e practice, the Lheory-based melhodologie s presented in this book provide teaching-learning alternatives to prevent the likelihood of using ''ready-made·~ nursing care plans and client records to comply with course requirements. The book begins with a presentation of community health nursing (CI-f N) as contel\. i: and practice using a four-client perspective: the individua J, family, population group and community. \'Vithin the backdrop of social, political, cu Jtural and economic determinan L-; of health and il1ness, the chapter discusses the health care delivery system, the nalional health situation and the componen ts, prncesses and ethicolegal aspects of community health nursing practice. As a CHN praclice option in ma. ny countries, community-based case management is discussed towards the end of the chapter. Chapter 2 presents theory-based methods and tools on assessment in family health nursing practice. The,!\ssessment Data Base and The Typology of Nursing Problems in Family Nursing Practice are updated using precise concepts related with major family theories: The Systems Model, Interactiona l and Development Models and The Structural Functional Framework. Genograms, ecomap and family-life chronology are discussed as additional assessment tools with speci,fic guides on construction and interpretation contained in Appendices B1 to 83. Chapter 3 focuses on concepts, steps and intervention options in developing the family nursing care plan. A sample evaluation plan illustrates bow to specify eva Juation criteria/indicators, standards and types of methods and tools. Chapter 4 covers concepts, methods and tools related with the implementation and evaluation phases in family nursing practice. Two types of evaluation a1·e discussed: formative and surnmative evaluation. Each type is presented to address specific components of family h. ealtb nursing care based on evaluation criteria/indicators and standards. Challenges and directions include supervision of a case load of priority families by geographical assignment or catchment area and t11e case management approach in working with priority families. Chapter 5 focuses on the nursing perspecti ve of the partnersh. ip approach and the participatory action methodology explicitly illustrating the "Look-Think-Act" cyclical process using empirical data on the empowering experienc es of fam. ilies in a village in Abra Province. Tnterdisciplinazy teamwork and interagency collaboration are enhanced through competencies on partnership with diverse groups forming cross functiona l teams. 