Watchfully checking rapport with the Primary Child Health Care nurses - a theoretical model from the perspective of parents of foreign origin

Abstract

BackgroundWorldwide, multicultural interaction within health care seems to be challenging and problematic. This is also true among Primary Child Health Care nurses (PCHC nurses) in the Swedish Primary Child Health Care services (PCHC services). Therefore, there was a need to investigate the parents' perspective in-depth.AimThe aim of the study was to construct a theoretical model that could promote further understanding of the variety of experiences of parents of foreign origin regarding their interaction with the PCHC nurses at PCHC services.MethodThe study used Grounded Theory Methodology. Twenty-one parents of foreign origin in contact with PCHC servicies were interviewed.ResultsIn our study parents were watchfully checking rapport, i.e. if they could perceive sympathy and understanding from the PCHC nurses. This was done by checking the nurse's demeanour and signs of judgement. From these interviews we created a theoretical model illustrating the interactive process between parents and PCHC nurses.ConclusionWe found it to be of utmost importance for parents to be certain that it was possible to establish rapport with the PCHC nurse. If not, disruptions in the child's attendance at PCHC services could result. PCHC nurses can use the theoretical model resulting from this study as a basis for understanding parents, avoiding a demeanour and judgements that may cause misunderstandings thus promoting high-quality interaction in PCHC services.

Research Article: Cultural competence among Swedish child health nurses after specific training: A randomized trial

“…The content was comprised of Campinha‐Bacote's (2002) definition and cultural competence model, as well as study‐specific knowledge regarding nurses' and parents' difficulties and concerns that were derived from previous research (Berlin et al ., 2006; 2008; 2010).…”

“…Nurses' difficulties in carrying out an assessment of the health risks in the psychosocial home environment of a child, illuminated by a theoretical model (Berlin et al ., 2008). Parents' perspectives on interacting with the nurses, described in a theoretical model (Berlin et al ., 2010). …”

“…Parents' perspectives on interacting with the nurses, described in a theoretical model (Berlin et al ., 2010).…”

“…Many nurses were dissatisfied with the quality of their work (Berlin et al ., 2006) and had difficulties in carrying out one of their main tasks; that is, assessing the health risks in these children's psychosocial home environment (Berlin et al ., 2008). A study among parents revealed that they had a general feeling of exposure and anxiety about being misjudged as parents (Berlin et al ., 2010). This is alarming as it might risk the provision of high‐quality health services on equal terms.…”

How to minimize children’s environmental tobacco smoke exposure: an intervention in a clinical setting in high risk areas

“…One reason could be linguistic problems but not the only [56]. Few nurses used interpreters in dialogue with parents, and some parents chose not to have interpreters involved when offered.…”