ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to elucidate the current status of and problems with the in-service nursing education system at medical institutions in depopulated areas. Responses to a selfadministered questionnaire were requested from the director of the nursing service department at each of 29 national health insurance clinics and hospitals in Prefecture A. Completed questionnaires were returned by 18 medical facilities (5 hospitals and 13 clinics). Regarding educational methods for nurses, the largest number of responses concerned “participation in workshops held by the prefecture or municipalities”, followed by “training in external institutions or related facilities.” Thus, out-of-hospital education was predominant. The main reason for not dispatching nurses for out-of-hospital education was “difficulty securing time for the dispatch”. Problems with human resource development included “difficulty developing human resources because of human resource shortage” and “a loss of staff motivation”. In depopulated areas, the human resources pool includes nurses with various work experience; therefore, learning opportunities should be provided for nurses according to their practical abilities and in cooperation with many facilities. Educational methods that can connect out-of-hospital education with inhospital education should also be examined.