Public health nurses’ provision of primary healthcare services in the context of Universal Health Care

BACKGROUND: Public health nurses (PHNs) are a significant cadre of the primary healthcare workforce working toward achieving universal health care (UHC). Exploring their work activities is integral to understanding how UHC is implemented better. OBJECTIVES: To describe and explore the work activities, roles, and functions of the PHNs in rendering primary care services in the context of UHC. METHODS: Key informant interviews were conducted with 12 PHNs in Tarlac Province who were working with permanent status in their respective rural health units (RHUs) for at least 1 year. They were selected through selection criteria. Data were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data analysis led to the emergence of 4 themes and 11 subthemes. The four themes were: (a) evolving scope and nature of work, (b) work challenges and barriers toward UHC implementation, (c) UHC outcomes, impact, and insights, and (d) communication and health promotion. CONCLUSIONS: The study underscores the importance of exploring the PHNs’ roles and functions, as it offers a window on how they fulfill their duties toward achieving the goals of UHC. From the viewpoint of the interviewed PHNs, several elements and issues need to be addressed. Consequently, some positive impact on their work activities and functions emerged. Their nature of work brought them professional development and fulfillment as they render primary care and value-driven services despite the challenges and struggles they encountered in public health.