Prefectural public health nurses' support in human resource development of municipal public health nurses in Japan.

Objective　This study aimed to explore the support extended by prefectural public health nurses (PHNs) toward the human resource development (HRD) of municipal PHNs in Japan.Methods　We performed a qualitative descriptive study involving nine prefectural PHNs from April 2019 to May 2020. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews using an interview guide, described qualitatively, coded, and then categorized.Results　Five categories were extracted. "Clarifying the needs and problems related to HRD and daily PHN activities in the municipalities," "Creating an environment where all municipal PHNs have equal opportunities for off-the-job training," and "Helping municipal PHNs recognize the meaning of practice and develop an evaluation perspective" were extracted from the prefectural government PHNs and prefectural health center (HC) PHNs. "Clarifying problems and future prospects to encourage the growth of PHNs" and "Creating an environment where the significance and value of the activities of PHNs are recognized within the organization and HRD can easily take place" were extracted from the HC PHNs.Conclusion　Much of the HRD support provided by the prefectural PHNs to the municipal PHNs was analogous to the PHN activities provided to the community and residents. To promote HRD effectively, prefectural PHNs should apply their individual care skills to the HRD of municipal PHNs.