2016 Volume 19 Issue 2 Pages 31-39
Aim: The present study explores the intentions and actions of public health nurses（PHNs）during nursing practices to clarify the characteristics of home health nursing practices for children with suspected autism spectrum disorders（ASDs）and their parents, which were elicited from routine health examinations and consultations.
Method: Six cases involving seven PHNs were examined. These PHNs were contacted and interviewed about their “intentions” and “actions” that occurred during their home health nursing and other activities. Surveys were administered to PHNs who provided maternal and child health care in local governments throughout Japan（n = 1,650）. The research proposal was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Medical Ethics Center（No.22-7, 25-90）.
Results: In total, 302 nurses’ “intentions” and 1,575 nurses’ “actions” were recorded, and 740（44.8%）completed questionnaires were returned. Seven characteristics were extracted for the approach to early intervention. The following characteristics were observed. PHNs aimed to:［1］establish relationships with parents;［2］encourage parents;［3］respect the feelings of parents; and［4］take the bitter experiences and anxiety of parents calmly. The following characteristics were also identified. PHNs aimed to: adjust the relationships and agree on the same lines with other childcare providers; and learn from the previous achievements of other cases.
Conclusion: PHNs should encourage parents to use childcare services. PHNs delivered effective and efficient healthcare that allowed them to meet the health needs of children with ASDs and their parents in cooperation with other caregivers from multiple disciplines.
