Changing practice: a review of the first contact service

The provision of the first contact service by health visitors to mothers and babies is a key element of the commissioning and delivery of the health visiting services within the United Kingdom. Its history dates back to the first National Health Service Act, and there have been many interpretations about its purpose and perceived benefits. A project group within an inner London primary care trust sought to review the evidence base surrounding the first contact visit in order to develop a standard for practice, which would guide and promote consistent practice throughout the health visiting department. This article illustrates the way in which a group of practitioners can work together to review service design and delivery.