One-to-one relationship in high-risk prenatal care: a case study

To analyze the one-to-one relationship in the context of home visits by nurses to high-risk pregnant women.

A case study focused on the relationship established between the nurse and the pregnant woman during home visits. A total of 17 high-risk pregnant women participated, each receiving biweekly visits from nurses for a total of six to 10 visits throughout the prenatal period and into the first month postpartum. Evidence sources included audio recordings and field notes of the visits. The analysis was guided by Joyce Travelbee's theory which defines five phases for an interpersonal relationship, including original encounter, emerging identities, empathy, sympathy and rapport, necessary to achieve therapeutic interaction in care.

The development of the one-to-one relationship allowed nurses to understand the individual needs of the pregnant women. Based on an understanding of each woman's uniqueness and determining factors, the nurse developed a personalized care plan in collaboration with the patient. Through this relationship, each party revealed themselves, leading to increased autonomy of the woman, who took the lead in achieving her projects, supported by the framework created by the nurse.

The one-to-one relationship during home visits produced practical outcomes by identifying specific needs through a therapeutic and collaborative interaction.