A concept analysis of partnership with clients

The aim of this first paper of two about partnership working with clients is to define and clarify partnership as it is practised within health visiting, by identifying the central notions of partnership working in practice. The aim of the second paper will be to describe an evaluation of a training course in partnership working for health visitors. Partnership is a word in common usage within the health professions but its meaning is ill-defined. A literature search was undertaken to identify ways in which previous authors have used the concept within nursing, counselling and health visiting. Rodgers' approach to concept analysis was undertaken to seek clarity for the concept. This revealed the ways in which various authors have used the word, an analysis of its defining attributes, surrogate terms, antecedents, consequences and a concluding definition. The results showed that partnership with clients in health visiting can be defined as a respectful, negotiated way of working together that enables choice, participation and equity, within an honest, trusting relationship that is based in empathy, support and reciprocity. It is best established within a model of health visiting that recognises partnership as a central tenet. It requires a high level of interpersonal qualities and communication skills in staff who are, themselves, supported through a system of clinical supervision that operates within the same partnership framework.