Function and practice of public health nursing in Japan: a trial to develop the Japanese Purpose-Focused Public Health Nursing Model.

Aims  To clarify the significance of public health nurses’ practice, we introduced the activities of Japanese public health nurses and tried to develop a model based on the purpose of their work. Background  Despite international efforts toward clarifying public health nurses’ practice, earlier models based on the purpose of their activities were underdeveloped. Method  Japanese terms describing public health nurses’ activities were gathered from the literature, nine researchers analysed and brainstormed the activities to develop a model. Seven municipality public health nurses and three researchers in both Japan and the USA validated the model. Results  The model includes three categories: creating the basis for support; working with individuals, families to enhance their health; and enhancing the health of individuals, families, groups, communities/regions by working with the community. Conclusion  The Japanese Purpose-Focused Public Health Nursing Model was based on the purpose of public health nurses’ practice which was considered significant for assisting public health nurses to explain the meaning of their work.