Systematic review: Effects of sustained nurse home visiting programs for disadvantaged mothers and children

To systematically evaluate published experimental studies of sustained nurse home visiting (SNHV) programs. This review summarizes the evidence and identifies gaps in the literature to inform practice, policy, and future research.

Restricted systematic review with narrative summary.

Databases searched were Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Year of publication was originally restricted from 2008 to the date of search (13 February 2018, with supplementary searches conducted to identify more recent publications (up to 2019). Several reputable evidence clearinghouses were also searched.

Studies were included if they used a randomized or cluster-randomized controlled trial to evaluate a home visiting program that: (a) targeted disadvantaged mothers; (b) commenced during pregnancy or prior to the child's first birthday; (c) had an intended duration of at least 12 months from the time of enrolment; and (d) was substantively delivered by nurses or midwives. Meta-analyses and reviews of studies meeting these criteria were also included. A quality appraisal was conducted for all studies.

Of 1,393 total articles, 30 met inclusion criteria. Seven specific SNHV programs were identified. Each demonstrated evidence of a positive statistical effect on at least one child or maternal outcome.

Sustained nurse home visiting programs benefit disadvantaged families, though effects vary across outcomes and subgroups. Further research is needed to discern the critical components of effective programs.

As SNHV programs have gained policy appeal, the need to evaluate the evidence-base supporting such interventions has become imperative. The findings of this review will assist policy-makers and practitioners in high-income countries to make evidence-informed decisions about which programs are best suited to addressing specific maternal and child outcomes for disadvantaged families. This should in turn ameliorate some of the inequalities in child development that have significant social and economic costs.