The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42822

Kevin Grumbach, MD¹, Janet Miller, BSN¹, Elizabeth Mertz, MPA¹, and Leonard J. Finocchio, DrPH². (1) Center for California Health Workforce Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 410, San Francisco, CA 94118, (2) Center for the Health Professions, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 410, San Francisco, CA 94118

Public health nursing (PHN) is defined as having a population focus. However, nurses’ clinical education traditionally emphasizes care of individuals. Using a previously developed conceptual model classifying PHN activities as focusing on the individual/family, community, or system level, we evaluated the actual practice activities and self-rated educational preparation of PHNs. We surveyed 254 staff PHNs and 35 PHN managers and directors in 5 California counties (response rate 75%). Summary scales (score range 1-4) were created to measure self-rated PHN activities at each of the 3 levels. Interventions focused at an individual/family level were performed most frequently (mean 2.55, 95% CI 2.47-2.62), deemed most important (mean 2.84, 95% CI 2.66-3.01), and were the areas in which PHNs felt best educated (mean 2.91, 95% CI 2.82-2.99). Community level interventions were the next most highly rated with regard to frequency (mean 1.86, 95% CI 1.79-1.92), importance (mean 2.42, 95% CI 2.23-2.62), and education (mean 2.33, 95% CI 2.24-2.42). Activities at the system level were rated lowest in frequency of performance (mean 1.46, 95% CI 1.39-1.52), importance (mean 1.99, 95% CI 1.80-2.17), and educational preparation (mean 1.75, 95% CI 1.66-1.84). Directors/managers perceived their staff as better educated in all areas than staff rated themselves. Results suggest that in the counties studied, caring for individuals and families dominates the professional role of PHNs. Most PHNs are not focused on population-health activities that define a more public health oriented role, and many PHNs do not believe that they are well educated for this role.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify types of interventions characteristic to public health nursing.
• Identify 3 levels of practice to which interventions may be targeted.
• Compare the Public Health Nursing Interventions model with California public health nursing practice.
• Discuss differences between the definition of public health nursing and California public health nursing practice.

Keywords: Essential Public Health Services, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.