Qualitative Analysis of the Conflicts with Administrators Experienced by Public Health Nurses in Planning and Implementing Public Health Programs

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 保健事業の展開において保健師と事務系職員の意見が異なる状況に関する質的分析

Search this article

Abstract

As specialists responsible for the improved health of the communities that employ them, public health nurses (PHNs) develop public health programs based on the needs of individuals, families, groups, and the community as well as the policies of the health department and other governmental authorities. During the routine process of program development it is sometimes the opinions of PHNs conflict with those of the administrators. PHNs are troubled by how best to assess such situations and what actions might be taken. This paper presents an analysis of such situations based on written descriptions of 35 PHNs reporting conflicts. These PHNs were among 144 attendees at a continuing education program for PHNs in one prefecture where a total of 66 responded to a questionnaire at the end of the program. Conflicting opinions were especially prevalent at the planning stage. Analysis of the substance of the differences confirmed that PHNs and administrators differ in their thinking. Nurses were more interested in the content of the program while administrators were more concerned about numbers to be served, budget, cost-effectiveness, and needed documents and approval processes. Because PHNs and administrators share the same over-riding goal, to improve the health of the public, it is important that PHNs routinely describe programs and their effects in ways understandable to administrators and be willing to listen to administrator's views. This suggests the necessity of both parties learning from each other and collaborating closely to coordinate efforts.

Journal

Citations (1)*help

See more

Details

Report a problem

Back to top