Education for public health capacity in the nursing workforce: findings from a review of education and practice issues

Current NHS policy highlights the importance of public health as a strategy to reduce health inequalities and to promote the health of communities, and nurses are recognised as key contributors to the public health function. Changes are also taking place in pre- and post-registration nurse education curricula, in the wake of recent education policy recommendations. However, progress towards effective educational preparation for nurses’ public health function and the educational issues involved, has not been systematically charted. The study reported below investigated the adequacy of public health education and the issues involved in effective education practice through a literature review and interviews with key informants. Findings highlight issues concerned with programme outcomes, practice placement experiences, and continuing professional development. Findings are discussed, and implications and recommendations for educational and other key stakeholders are outlined.