Concept analysis of the generalist in public health nursing and the role of the National Institute of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this review was to analyze the concepts of the generalist in public health nursing and discuss the role of the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH).

Methods: We reviewed descriptions in the literature on definitions, roles, and features of public health nursing, including public health nursing textbooks, nursing journal articles, and statements of nursing academic societies and nursing professional associations. The extracted descriptions related to generalists (e.g., uncategorical care and a wide range of clients) were categorized according to similarities.

Results: A total of 19 manuscripts were selected: 11 public health nursing textbooks, 3 journal articles, 2 statements of nursing academic societies, and 3 statements of professional associations. We did not find any Japanese journal articles on public health nursing that discussed the concept of the generalist. The extracted descriptions were divided into 5 categories: (1) care at all ages and in all health statuses, (2) linking multi-level systems from the individual level to the national level, (3) promoting social justice by weaving various methods from individual care to policy making, (4) providing nursing care from the long-term perspectives, and (5) providing care based on a wide range of fields.

Conclusions: The reason why no Japanese articles about generalists were found may be that the generalist role is considered one that is obvious for public health nurses (PHNs) and scholars. Two categories appear to be the primary foci for public health nursing generalists: (1) providing nursing care from the long-term perspective and (2) providing care that is based on a wide range of fields. In addition to these 2 foci, public health nursing generalists should also focus on preventing health problems across multiple fields.

The National Institute of Public Health has recently created and implemented training programs to enhance PHNs' capability to develop human resources. However, NIPH needs to improve these training programs to strengthen the generalist role of PHNs. It must be required to clarify the tacit knowledges of PHNs as generalists and make use of explicit knowledges for the generalists training programs. To attain its goals, NIPH needs to establish a new section focusing on public health nursing.