Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore processes and strategies for developing community health projects directed by public health nurses (PHNs) in municipalities of Japan.
Method: Yin's case study design was adopted into the 5-step Policy Making Process Model as the theoretical framework. The first two steps involving agenda setting and project planning were the focus of this study. PHNs who had developed new community health projects in municipalities were interviewed as study participants. In order to maintain the quality of projects at a certain level, only these approved officially by municipalities with a program and budget were selected.
Results: Common strategies emerged for developing community health projects in the cases presented by the 5 PHNs. Out of 891 codes, twenty-six sub-categories were identified and integrated into 9 categories. When categories were analyzed in a time series, the following common processes were found: integration of related data, identification of the health problems in the community and recognition of project needs (Phase 1); refining the concept and characteristics of the project plan (Phase 2); and assuring that resources were available for the optimal implementation of the project by consolidating ideas (Phase 3). In Phase 1, PHNs integrated the information about previous experimental cases or social circumstances to identify community health problems needing solution. PHNs' thoughts were given to problems of existing projects and daily practices were grouped to make comprehensive plans for improvement. In Phase 2, PHNs discussed ideas for the project plans and considered resources and strategies that were necessary for putting new projects into place. In Phase 3, PHNs were attentive to the factors reviewed in Phase 2, kept account of necessary resources, and made certain of timing for immediate implementation of plans. The dual roles of PHNs, both as nurses and public servants, helped to clarify and solve the community health problems.
Conclusion: Common strategies of developing programs were explored; "Identifying the community health problems through analyzing the causes of difficult cases," "Recognizing the necessity of coverall-projects which will improve the existing projects," "Understanding the awareness of those involved and discuss ideas for the project plan." The findings have based solely on the experiences of PHNs, they can provide suggestions that are keys to efficient development of new projects.