The evolution and feasibility of a salutogenic home visit program in multiethnic first-time families in Norway.

Abstract

Background Explicit knowledge on how to develop a universal home visit program is warranted as most programs target high-risk, disadvantaged, pregnant young women. The New Families program, a salutogenic home visit program, was developed directed at all first-time families in a multiethnic district in Oslo in collaboration with the Public health nurses. The objective was to secure a healthy child development with long-term benefits. The current study describe the evolution of a project resulting in a sustainable and synergistic program of praxis to be implemented in the current Norwegian Child Health Service Clinic.Methods A feasibility study with qualitative data triangulation provided a comprehensive understanding of the acceptability, demand, practicality, and integration of the New Families program in the district’s Child Health Service Clinic. This two yearlong study included three focus group interviews with public health nurses who conducted 1109 home visits to 222 first-time families in the district, in addition to retrospective interviews with six participating families. The collected data was analysed using the six phases of thematic analysis recursive process.Results Developing a trusting relational continuity of care between the public health nurse and the family is at the core when facilitating support and help. The home visit was characterized as praxis oriented with a salutogenic focus, emphasizing the parents' strengths and resources, while engaging with the family in a collaborative and respectful way. The families and the public health nurse reported a decreased authoritative relationship without losing the experience professionalism.Conclusions An early home visit program for all new families delivered with proportionate universalism avoided stigmatizing vulnerable families and ensured high utilization of the health service. The participating families and public health nurses were in concert when endorsing the integration of the program in the Norwegian Child Health Service Clinic.