Primary health care, partnership and polemic : child and family health nursing support in early parenting

Sue Kruske, Lesley Barclay, Virginia Schmied

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    This qualitative research utilised a health services research framework and ethnographic methods to explore, describe and analyse contemporary child and family health (C and FH) nursing practice in an area of New South Wales, and identify the major factors that impact on their ability to effectively support families. The research identified the complexity of current C and FH nursing practice and changes in the philosophy that underpinned this at the policy level that were difficult to adopt. Despite a change in policy direction that advocated a partnership approach, nurses predominantly continue to frame their practice within an 'expert' model. The nurses also struggled to deliver new service models while maintaining access for all families. Some explanations for the tensions experienced by the nurses relate to their age and educational preparation within the workforce. Other factors relate to the structures and management systems evident within the health service that employs them. To effectively support new families within the community, health systems must adequately resource services and support C and FH nurses in changing from a paradigm of expert to partner, consistent with primary health care practice.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalAustralian Journal of Primary Health
    Publication statusPublished - 2006

    Keywords

    • New South Wales
    • child health services
    • family nursing
    • parenting

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