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Refocusing health visiting -- sharpening the vision and facilitating the process
1Northumbria University, Benton, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. sue.carr@northumbria.ac.uk
Journal of Nursing Management
|April 12, 2005
Summary
This study explored public health nursing development, evaluating a new role. Findings highlight challenges and offer a tool to clarify practice within the public health continuum.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nursing Practice
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Health visitors are positioned to lead public health initiatives.
- The 'new look' health visitor role lacks clear definition.
- Government visions for public health nursing require further development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a new public health nursing role within a primary care trust.
- To inform the ongoing development of public health nursing roles.
- To explore the evolution of public health nursing practice.
Main Methods:
- Action research approach utilized.
- 33 participants interviewed individually and in groups.
- Thematic analysis applied to interview transcripts.
Main Results:
- Identified key themes: public health definitions, practice continuum, contextual factors, and inhibitors.
- Highlighted challenges in health visiting's response to the public health agenda.
- Developed a tool to map practice within a primary care-public health continuum.
Conclusions:
- Clarity of role and purpose is crucial for public health nursing management.
- The developed tool aids in practice development and evaluation.
- Further research is needed to refine public health nursing roles.