Sustained health home visiting can improve families' social support and community connectedness. Issue 2 (6th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stubbs, Joanne M.; Achat, Helen M.
• Is Part Of: Contemporary nurse. Volume 52:Issue 2/3(2016)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 299
• Publication Date: 2016-05-06
• Subjects: house calls -- self-efficacy -- vulnerable populations -- social support -- social networking -- child development; Nursing -- Periodicals -- Australia -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Nurses -- Australia -- Periodicals; 610.730994
• DOI: 10.1080/10376178.2016.1224124
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1037-6178

Abstract

Abstract : Background : Home visiting (HV) is a strategy used internationally to address the multiple needs of infants and families at risk of suboptimal health and developmental outcomes. Objectives : Describe nursing interventions and program achievements of a pilot HV program for families living in a highly disadvantaged outer suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Methods : A family partnership model was adopted. Follow-up is reported for 65 of the 75 clients remaining in the program for at least 6 months. Results : Nurses most commonly provided clients with emotional support, information about health and well-being and information on infant development. Clients experienced noteworthy improvements consistent with key objectives – greater access to support services, and increased self-efficacy and social networks. Conclusions : Consistent with the growing body of international literature on the achievements of HV, HV programs can empower vulnerable families to better cope with daily life demands and their family.