Academic-Practice Partnership in Public Health Nursing: Working with Families in a Village-Based Collaboration

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this program development and evaluation project was to promote healthy families and communities by creating academic-practice partnerships, educating BSN students and building family-nursing student partnerships that were supported by a "village" of interconnected resources. Design and Sample: A mixed-methods design was used for the project. Data were collected from a convenience sample of vulnerable families, BSN students engaged in PHN practica, and partner members. Measures: Nine tools were developed to capture data over two semesters including a GIS mapping strategy. Results: One hundred and seventy-five home visits were completed with 20 families, 14 of whom needed interpreter assistance. Families reported satisfaction with the quality of home visits, education, and assistance toward health goals. Fifty-three students provided 202 educational interventions, 39 community resource connections, and 46 care transitions. Students reported linking theory with practice and valued the PHN practicum experience. Academic-practice partners identified opportunities for program development and sustainability. GIS mapping illustrated complex family linkages to community resources. Conclusions: Results suggest that young, vulnerable families benefit from public health nursing (PHN) home visits, but sustaining home visit programs is challenging. Academic-practice partnerships can guide students and families partnered in a reciprocal relationship with village resources.