Health promotive action and preventive action model (HPA model) for the classification of health care services in public health nursing

Background: There is a need for an expanded approach to develop knowledge of public health nursing as a sphere of public health. The aim of this paper was to construct a theoretical model for healthcare services in the area of public health nursing based on the analysis and classification of healthcare services used in public health nursing practice. Methods: Patient records were examined using a qualitative research approach. The categorization and classification of the actions followed certain criteria. Three methods were used for verifying and modifying the concept. Results: Of the identified categories 34 dealt with healthcare services, three with administrative services, and five with coordination. The six recognized domains of the healthcare services are health promotive services, health protective services, diagnostic services, therapeutic services, rehabilitation services, and terminal healthcare services. Using the public health approach, the Health promotive action and preventive action model (HPA model) was constructed in order to visualize where in the course of the process of health-ill health and developmental stages the public health nurses provide healthcare services. Health promotion and the levels of prevention are described on the operational and conceptual levels in this paper. Conclusions: The result is expected to have an important effect on how public health nurses conceptualize their field of knowledge. The classification reflects current public health policy by focusing on health promotion and illness prevention. The developed HPA model will support health service research.