Why health visiting? Examining the potential public health benefits from health visiting practice within a universal service: a narrative review of the literature.

摘要: Introduction There is increasing international interest in universal, health promoting services for pregnancy and the first three years of life concept proportionate universalism. Drawing on a narrative review literature, this paper explores mechanisms by which such might contribute to improvement reducing inequalities. Objectives Through empirical identify: (1) What are key components visiting practice? (2) How they reflected implementing universal service/provision envisaged English Health Visitor Implementation Plan (HVIP)? Design The draws upon scoping study review. Review methods We used complementary approaches search widely dispersed literature: (1) broad, general search, (2) structured search, using topic-specific terms, (3) seminal search. Our inclusion criterion was information about practice. included papers from United Kingdom (UK) 2004 February 2012 older seminal identified (3), identifying total 348 inclusion. A thematic content analysis compared (up 2003) with more recent research (2004 onwards). Results revealed practice as potentially characterized particular ‘orientation practice.’ This embodied values, skills attitudes needed deliver through salutogenesis (health creation), person-centredness (human valuing) viewing person situation ecology). Research actions focuses home visiting, needs assessment parent–health visitor relationships. detailed description visitors’ skills, attitudes, their application practice, provides an explanation how provision can help promote shift social gradient Conclusions Identification across undifferentiated, caseload, combined outreach style that enhances uptake appropriate or parenting information, creates opportunities parents who may otherwise have remained unaware of, unwilling engage provision. lack evaluative service organization potential offers foundation future.