公共衛生師在長照機構的角色與功能

The roles and functions of public health specialists in long-term care institutions

公共衛生師法草案歷經多方討論及公聽會後，終於2020 年5 月15 日三讀通過「公共衛生師法」。為台灣公共衛生發展之重要里程碑。公共衛生師法已明定公共衛生師可受聘於長期照顧機構，本文依據公共衛生師法所訂的公共衛生師的定位及業務範圍、執行業務，參酌相關行政法規及長照機構實際的運作所需，分成落實長照服務、長者與員工健康促進與衛生教育、傳染病防治、職場健康促進與勞工健康保護、環境健康風險及食品安全風險調查、建構學習型組織等面向，探討公共衛生師在長照機構可扮演的角色與功能。本文建議：
一、公共衛生師與其他專業人員進行跨專業合作。
二、公共衛生師應終身學習與時俱進。
三、投入居家照顧服務。
四、投入長期照顧機構之經營管理。

The Legislative Yuan passed the 'Public Health Specialist Law' on May 15, 2020. It is an important milestone in the development of public health in Taiwan. The “Public Health Specialist Law” has clearly stipulated that public health specialists can be employed in long-term care institutions. This article is based on the positioning and professional work scope of public health specialists, and is taking into account the relevant administrative regulations and the actual operations of the long-term care institutions. The roles and functions which public health specialists can play in the long-term care institutions include implementing long-term care services, health promotion and health education for the elderly and employees, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, workplace health promotion and labor health protection, environmental health risks and food safety risk investigations, and construction of learning organizations. This article recommends the public health specialists should:
1. Conducting cross-professional cooperation with other professionals,
2. Keep life-long learning,
3. Investing in home care services and,
4. Investing in the management of long-term care institutions.