[Factors associated with program implementation competencies used to improve health service development capacity of public health nurses: a nationwide survey of prefectures and cities with public health centers].

Abstract

Objectives　Public health nurses (PHNs) are necessary in introducing evidence-based health programs to address various health challenges. This study aimed to identify the factors related to PHNs' ability to implement programs across different career-level groups.Methods　A self-administered questionnaire was administered to PHNs working in prefectures or cities with public health centers. PHNs were categorized into three career-level groups based on their seniority and position; novice with ≥ 5 years of experience, no-position with ≥ 6 years of experience without a position, and with-position with ≥ 6 years of experience holding a position. Simple regression analysis was conducted using the Implementation Degree Assessment Sheet (Okamoto et al., 2022; IDAS) score as the dependent variable and experience in developing new projects, learning experiences, horizontal development exposure, and PHNs' competency scale scores as independent variables. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted with the IDAS score as the dependent variable and statistically significant variables in the simple regression analysis as the independent variables. The competency measurement scales used were the Professional Development Scale (PDS), Reflective Practice Skill Scale (RPS), and Research Utilization Competency Scale (RUC).Results　We obtained 702 out of 966 valid responses (72.7%). The overall mean IDAS scores was 115.7; 107.6 for novice PHNs, 111.3 for no-position PHNs, and 119.6 for with-position PHNs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that RPS and PDS scores contributed to novice and with-position PHNs' abilities. Additionally, "recognition of the importance of horizontal development: agree" significantly influenced novice PHNs' ability, whereas RUC score contributed to with-position PHNs' ability. RUC scores and recognition of the current implementation of horizontal development significantly contributed to the ability of No-position PHNs.Conclusion　For improving PHNs' program implementation abilities, novice PHNs should focus on reflective practices, improve professional knowledge and skills, acquire knowledge and competence in program implementation, and improve understanding of its importance. Moreover, no-position PHNs must collect, examine, and use information, such as recent research findings. With-position PHNs must continuously improve their skills and apply them comprehensively in management and program implementation. These findings underscore the importance of tailored program implementation training for each career level, providing opportunities to reflect on practice and one's own activities, and assessing the level of mastery.