An experiential approach to developing radiological content for public health nursing: Lessons from a nuclear disaster

Abstract

Objective This study identified the radiological content required for PHNs and public health nursing students based on PHNs’ experiences caring for people affected by the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Design We used qualitative research, interviews, and content analysis. Sample Participants were eight PHNs employed by local governments in Fukushima and neighboring prefectures. Results Six content themes regarding the nuclear disaster were identified: (a) basic knowledge about radiation, (b) public health nursing activities in emergency exposure situations, (c) management in emergency exposure situations, (d) consultation to support residents affected by the nuclear disaster, (e) activities in the existing exposure situations, and (f) disaster preparedness in the planned exposure situations. Necessary content shifted depending on the phase of the nuclear disaster recovery. Conclusions The use of the experiences of PHNs after the nuclear power plant accident to inform PHNs and public health nursing students will enable PHNs to respond appropriately and support people without difficulties. Comprehensive radiation content is needed to address the range of situations caused by nuclear disaster.

Disaster preparedness among foreign residents in a rural area of Japan: A qualitative pilot study

“…Public health nurses play key roles in preparation, response, and recovery from disasters and public health emergencies (American Nurses Association, 2013; Iguchi et al, 2018). In Japan, PHNs have provided vital services to disaster-struck communities, including counseling, health education, care coordination, public health surveillance, health check-ups, and mental health care (Goto et al, 2014;Kako et al, 2014;Kanbara et al, 2017;Kawasaki et al, 2020). In the wake of disasters affecting the country, PHNs have provided care for various vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, children, older adults, and persons with chronic diseases or mental health problems (Kayama et al, 2014;Sato et al, 2014;Yamashita et al, 2019).…”