Online continuing education for the Indian Health Service: Public health intervention wheel update.

BACKGROUND: Following the work-priority disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the supervisor of the Four Corners Regional Health Center of the Indian Health Service requested an update of the Public Health Intervention Wheel for public health staff across 11 healthcare facilities. The Wheel explains what public health nurses do in their practice. PURPOSE: Nursing leaders chose a staff development project to help public health nursing staff shift their focus to address health priorities and health disparities among Native American communities. METHODS: Public health nursing staff completed five synchronous online sessions on the revised Public Health Intervention Wheel. The online sessions included PowerPoint presentations, discussion, and group reports. Participants reported that the Public Health Intervention Wheel applied to and explained their practice. A survey revealed that 93% to 97% of participants strongly agreed or agreed that the learning objectives were met and the learning strategies were effective. DISCUSSION: The online education format provided convenient access for participants over a large geographic area. Both the benefits and challenges of the online synchronous education sessions were identified. CONCLUSION: The integration of the Wheel into staff orientation and departmental initiatives will contribute to a comprehensive scope of public health nursing practice in Native American communities.