Japanese experience of evolving nurses' roles in changing social contexts

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Nursing Practice
• Sustainable Development Goals

Background:

• Japanese nursing roles have adapted to evolving national and community needs.
• Public health services in Japan rely on collaboration between hospitals and public health nurses.
• The nursing profession is actively identifying and systematizing competencies for global health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the evolving roles of Japanese nurses in achieving global sustainable development goals.
• To highlight Japanese nursing contributions to international health and disaster response.

Main Methods:

• The study is based on a symposium summary from the 2015 Japan Association for International Health annual meeting.
• Panel members included experts from Japan's Official Development Assistance.

Main Results:

• Japanese nurses' evolving roles demonstrate adaptability to national and international health needs.
• Public health nurses from Japan have supported overseas healthcare projects.
• During recent disasters, Japanese nurses acted as community health coordinators for public health restoration.

Conclusions:

• Japanese nursing professionals are well-positioned to address community health, high-risk situations, and vulnerable populations.
• Nurses possess significant potential to drive transformative health changes and paradigm shifts.
• Involvement in global sustainable development goals, health policies, and disaster risk management is crucial for nurses.