RESUMO
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a specialized education curriculum aimed at helping nurses prepare for running and managing a Maternal-Child Health Center (Postpartum Care Center). METHOD: This study was conducted by an academy and industry joint research group consisting of professors of Nursing, and nurses actually running a Postpartum Care Center. The group compiled job descriptions of nursing through document research, interviews and observation during site visits, surveys, and seminars. They then performed a feasibility study and developed the final curriculum. RESULT: The education curriculum is a 32-week (2semester) program compromised of a theory part (12 credits, 180 hours) covering maternal and infant care and business start-up and field practice (3 credits, 45 hours). Courses in the theory part include an antenatal care, overview and details of maternal care, starting a business and its management. Of these courses, the overview of a maternal care course was developed with web-based contents. Field practice is designed to give students opportunities to visit Postpartum Care Centers, observe the care provided, and get hands-on experience. CONCLUSION: The specialized education curriculum is a 32-week course comprised of 12 credits on theory of antenatal care, overview and details of maternal care, infant care, starting and operating a business and 3 credits of field practice.