Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104450

Noël Bazini-Barakat, RN, MSN, MPH¹, Cherié R. Forsha, RN, MSN/MPH, CNS², and Sharon Trucker, RN, MS². (1) Toxics Epidemiology Program, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Public Health, 695 South Vermont Ave, 14th Floor- South Tower, Los Angeles, CA 90005, 213-738-6104, nbarakat@ladhs.org, (2) Public Health Nursing Administration, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Public Health, 241 North Figueroa, Suite 347, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Los Angeles (LA) County Department of Health Services has over 400 public health nurses (PHNs) serving a population of close to 10 million residents. Annually for 22 years, the majority of these PHNs have convened for a day-long conference to discuss their practice. Historically, the conference has consisted of several case studies from fellow PHNs. However, in recent years, public health practice nationally has shifted its focus from management of individuals with communicable diseases to improving the overall health of populations through population-focused practice. As this shift has occurred, it has become increasingly important and relevant for the LA County Public Health Nursing Practice Conference content to reflect this change. As such, beginning 4 years ago, this conference has been revamped to incorporate evidenced-based practice, encouraging and equipping PHNs to integrate steps reflecting population-focused principals. This conference venue provides an opportunity for PHNs to systematically consider methods to improve their own practice through peer presentations and analysis. Since its restructuring, over 100 PHNs—representing various geographic regions of LA County and diverse populations-of-interest—have developed oral or poster presentations incorporating best practices and evidenced-based methods to improving the health of the populations they serve. Many of the developed community health improvement plans have been fully implemented within their communities. The structure of the conference will be discussed, including the training provided to presenters on methods to incorporate evidenced-based practice. Furthermore, results of evaluations from the past four years of implementation will be shared, including successes and challenges.

Learning Objectives: