Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to conduct a questionnaire survey targeting instructors at all public health nurse (PHN) training institutions nationwide. Further, this study seeks to clarify the state of education on infectious disease health crisis management and the achievement levels of educational goals for PHN students, considering the differences among training programs.
Methods: An anonymous, self-administered, web-based questionnaire survey targeting one representative from each PHN training institution nationwide was conducted between February and March 2023.
Results: Responses were obtained from 82 participants (response rate: 28.0%). The achievement rates for the infectious disease health crisis management goals were relatively high in terms of knowledge; however, it tended to be lower in terms of skills. Institutions offering “four-year education” had fewer lecture and exercise hours related to infectious disease health crisis management. It also had a lower proportion of observation and practical experience during public health center practicums than those offering “advanced education.”
Discussion: To enhance students’ practical skills, it is necessary to secure time for exercises related to infectious disease health crisis management and develop educational programs that utilize instructors’ field experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials that are concrete and easy to visualize must also be created and used.
