Abstract
Purpose: To review research related to public health nursing for child abuse and neglect and clarify issues regarding the improvement of its practice and research. Methods: Research articles published between 1996 and 2006 were searched using Japanese Central Review of Medicine and MEDLINE. Results: Author reviewed 34 relevant research articles. The findings revealed 3 important features: (1) the characteristics of clients supported by public health nurses (PHNs), (2) practices and competency of PHNs, and (3) new roles of PHNs. PHNs usually supported clients requiring maternal and child health services. Specific practices were related to mental support for abusive parents and assurance of children's safety and development. There was limited information available regarding family support and organizational coordination. PHNs required skills in social work and case management, and hoped to receive appropriate training in these areas. Recently, new roles for PHNs have been identified in the field of child protection. Some articles also clarified issues of training and cooperative frameworks inside and outside the workplace. Discussion: The following are future challenges: (1) further application and evaluation of maternal and child health services to prevent child abuse and neglect, (2) need for further research regarding family support, (3) further research and evidence-based practice with regard to coordination and social work, (4) continuing and enriching research on the new roles of PHNs, and (5) refinement of training programs and the establishment of cooperative frameworks inside and outside the workplace.
