Levels of satisfaction of 'low-risk' mothers with their current health visiting service

To assess the expressed levels of satisfaction of 'low-risk' mothers with the current health visiting service. Setting Sheffield, England, Autumn 1997.

Self-completion, postal questionnaire (initial postcard reminder followed by a second letter and questionnaire) to a sample of 403 mothers assessed as 'low priority' by their health visitor. Questions largely related to maternal opinion of the adequacy of the health visiting service delivered during the first 9-12 months. The local research ethics committee approved the study.

A corrected response rate of 75% with little evidence of significant bias. A high proportion (86%) of women stated that they were either 'fairly' or 'very' satisfied with the service they had received from their health visitor with regard to their baby. A lower proportion (72%) was equally satisfied with the service they had received in respect of their own health. Despite an average number of approximately 10 contacts in relation to infant health with the health visitor during the first year of life, some 6% of women wanted more frequent contacts, particularly in the first few weeks. Study limitations The questionnaire was designed specifically for the study and validation was limited. The study population comprised a selected, 'low-risk' group.

The number of reported contacts with the health visitor seemed to greatly exceed those indicated by a basic child health surveillance programme. The overall level of maternal satisfaction is high, though a minority of women would like more support. Dissatisfaction was expressed with the lack of an appointment system for clinics, poor punctuality in home visits, and inappropriate or inadequate advice.