The meaning of public health nursing: creating 24 hour care in a community in Japan

This case study describes the strategies and activities of public health nurses to increase the availability of services in a municipality of 36,000 and to transform community attitudes so that those needing services would feel free to use them. Strategies and activities are seen in the context of Japan, Minakuchi Town and the leadership of the chief public health nurse. Practicing in partnership with members of the community, strategies of public health nurses include technical activities (conducting needs assessment and framing program alternatives) and information sharing and health education (e.g. 75 meetings organized with health promoters for residents in the districts of the town). On the basis of the results of Minakuchi Town, viewed as an example of expert public health nursing practice, a general model for public health nursing practice is presented.