Early tuberculosis nursing in British Columbia

Area of Science:

• Public Health History
• Nursing History
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) was a leading cause of death in Canada at the turn of the 20th century.
• Significant reductions in TB mortality were observed by the mid-20th century.
• The role of nurses in this decline is hypothesized as essential.

Observation:

• This preliminary study investigates the role of nurses in controlling TB in British Columbia (BC) between 1895 and 1945.
• The focus is on the initial phase, 1895-1920, preceding formal public health nursing university courses in BC.
• Nurses initiated significant public health roles by providing direct care to TB patients.

Findings:

• Established baseline data on TB nursing in early BC.
• Examined early nursing care practices for TB patients.
• Identified critical historical events related to TB nursing.

Implications:

• Provides foundational data for further research into nursing's impact on TB control.
• Highlights the historical significance of public health nursing in disease management.
• Determines the viability and direction for continued research on this topic.