The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55474

Connie Richmond, APRN, MSN, BC, Training/Staff Development Branch, Kentucky Department for Public Health, HSW-1C, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621, 502-564-4990, Connie.richmond@mail.state.ky.us

This paper will report the results of a project to provide training to bridge the tranisition from individual, clinic based services to a population-focused service model. Purpose: The purpose of the project was to enhance competencies in the core functions of assessment, policy development and assurance and the ten essential public health services. The emphasis was to develop a competency-based curriculum for teaching basic public health skills to local health department personnel. The targeted competencies were to demonstrate the ability to assess population health status, apply the Assessment information to influence policy development and to plan programs and services that positively impact the health status of the population. Significance: Kentucky public health is transitioning toward population-focused public health activity. Approximately 60% Kentucky's public health nurse workforce is prepared at the associate degree level and lacks the basic knowledge and skills of the public health sciences. The majority were hired during a time when the focus was on the delivery primary care services. Results: Accomplishments include development of a competency-based curriculum, establishment of collaborative partnerships with the four regional universities, a model for using regional training coordinators and over 9000 public health professionals trained. An outcomes evaluation survey of nurses demonstrated a significant change in the areas of increased public health knowledge, changes in clinical practice, and adoption of an attitude supportive of population-based practice.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe strategies for enhancing competency in basic public health nursing skills.
• Identify methods for promoting change in areas of increased competency in public health nursing.

Keywords: Community-Based Public Health, Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.