Historical transition and contributions of the continuous training programs for public health nurses at the National Institute of Public Health

Abstract

Objectives: This literature review aimed to explore the historical changes of basic education and continuous training after employment for public health nurses (PHNs) at the National Institute of Public Health (NIPH) to improve future human resource development.

Methods: We searched the published literatures using the search engine for the Web of the Japan Medical Abstracts Society, and manually for the Japanese journal for PHNs and the Journal of the NIPH. Additionally, we collected information regarding training programs which the NIPH provided through a memorial magazine, chronology, annual report of the NIPH, and achievements report of the Faculty of Public Health Nursing at the NIPH.

Results: The NIPH has provided two kinds of training programs for public health staff; one is the short-term training programs and the other is the long-term ones. Due to changes in social conditions, PHNs must constantly update their knowledge and skills to resolve community health needs accordingly. Since the enacting of the Public Health Nurse Regulations (Hokenfu kisoku), PHNs have consistently resolved the community health needs and developed healthcare systems and policies. Except for a period before World War II (WWII), the NIPH has consistently been responsible for providing a continuous educational program for PHNs to improve the practical level of PHNs with a national qualification. Additionally, the literature review showed that the NIPH had provided the training programs for the present and future leaders of PHNs.

Conclusion: The literature review showed that the NIPH provided continuous training courses for the human resource development of PHNs according to the change of era and health and life-related issues. In the future, we would forecast the community health needs and provide educational programs regarding their leadership development. Additionally, we would be needed to support the PHNs who have finished each educational course to conduct more effective human resource development at each local government.