38 years of reflecting academic heritage and the discontinuation of production in Thailand: A teaching historical record of master’s degree in family nursing (1987–2025)

Abstract

This invited article aims to present a historical record of graduate education in the Master of Nursing Science program in family nursing and family nurse practitioners at the faculty of nursing, Khon Kaen University. This program, the first and last place in the country, has been offered for 38 years, from 1987 to 2025. The content includes: 1) The importance of “family” in the Eastern worldviews. 2) The dynamics of teaching and learning in this program. 3) The unique characteristics of curriculum development and its distinctive elements. 4) Reflections from graduates of the program. 5) The potential loss of benefits to family health, society, and the nation due to the program's discontinuation. 6) A comparison between family nursing education and individual-focused nursing (e.g. pediatric, maternal, adult, and geriatric nursing) within the family context, as well as community nursing. 7) The emergence, existence, and professional journey of alumni specializing in family nursing. And 8) A conclusion and potential solutions.
The professional regulatory body has officially announced its decision not to support the establishment of new programs outside the designated curriculum framework. The discontinuation of this specialized family nursing program is expected to impact curriculum accreditation and the professional advancement of its graduates. Meanwhile, both national and global strategies emphasize the importance of enhancing family capacity for self-care throughout all stages of illness. The program's termination may lead to a shortage of experts in family nursing, potentially affecting the quality of family healthcare in the long term. Furthermore, academic institutions may face challenges such as a lack of expert faculty, knowledge development, resources for teaching and learning, and other related concerns in the future.