Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the perceptions of public health nurses regarding the need for support for school-age children with developmental disabilities.
Methods: A self-administered, written questionnaire was conducted with public health nurses employed by local municipalities. Respondents who replied “yes” to the question, “Do you think it is necessary for public health nurses to provide support for school age children with developmental disabilities?”, were asked to give a reason why in their own words; the free responses of 85 respondents who answered “yes” were subsequently analyzed using a qualitative inductive method.
Results: As context for the need to provide support for school-age children with developmental disabilities, public health nurses recognized that “new needs emerge during the school-age period,” “support from people outside school is necessary,” and “coordinated multi-professional support is necessary.” Public health nurses aimed to provide support to “help the development of the child by supporting parents and families,” and “guarantee successful development in the community.”
Conclusion: This study suggested the need for support for school-age children with developmental disabilities by public health nurses, with a special focus on a long-term perspective to guarantee that children with developmental disabilities can grow up successfully in their communities.
