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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Rosemary V. Chaudry, RN, PhD, MHA and Evelyn K. Oxenford, BA, RRT. College of Nursing, Ohio State University, 1585 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43302, 740-389-4940, chaudry.1@osu.edu

In Ohio, public health nurses (PHN) in local public health (PH) departments provide direct and supportive care and care coordination services to CSHCN and their families through several state and county programs, including those funded under Title V. However, variation in PHNs' experience and education levels and in resources that local PH departments can devote to PHN workforce development suggests that PHNs may have diverse education needs. This research will identify education needs of PHNs providing community-based services to CSHCN and their families. Conceptual frameworks from both PH and PHN sciences (Gebbie & Hwang, 1997; IOM, 1988; MN Dept. of Health, 2001; Quad Council, 1999) guide the research objectives which are to: 1) identify PHNs' need for education and training specific to care of CSHCN and their families, 2) identify PHNs' preferences for receiving needed education, and 3) identify the relationships between education needs and PHN characteristics, size and type of PH department, and CSHCN program area. Data will be collected in spring 2006 using mailed surveys of PHNs. Education and training needs are quantified as the discrepancy between current confidence level and desired confidence level (Altschuld & Witkin, 2000). Study findings will identify opportunities for planning and implementing specific education and training to enhance the effectiveness of PHN practice in the care of CSHCN, support the mission and workforce development capabilities of local PH departments, and identify areas for future investigation regarding PHN practice and community-based care of CSHCN. The study supports the missions of the US Maternal and Child Health Bureau, state departments of health and mental retardation/developmental disabilities, and Healthy People 2010 objectives related to CSHCN and PH.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe three categories of interventions specific to the care of CSHCN where practicing PHN need additional education and training.
• Discuss the relationship between PHN characteristics and self-identified areas of education and training need related to the care of CHSCN.

Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Public Health Nursing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No