A classic grounded theory study exploring the social processes of the health visitor antenatal home visit

Abstract

Abstract

Background

The Health Visitor (HV) antenatal contact, conducted between 32 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, is typically the first meeting between expectant parents and HVs. Government directives and targeted home visiting programmes highlight its importance in early intervention, reducing health inequalities, and fostering family-centred relationships.

Although expectant mothers valued face to face contact for learning about the HV role, discussing baby related topics and relationship building, limited evidence exists on expectant parent and HV experiences of the antenatal visit. Researching this area is vital to understand how HVs can better support expectant parents, enhance relationship building, and optimise the effectiveness of antenatal visits.

Research Question

What are the perceptions and experiences of expectant parents and HVs about the HV antenatal home visit?

Methods

Following a Classic Grounded Theory (CGT) approach, data was collected from three observations of the HV antenatal home visit and unstructured interviews with thirteen HVs and six expectant parents. Participants were recruited from one Scottish health board, and a constant comparative method of analysis was employed.

Findings

Therapeutic and supportive relationship building helped develop parental trust in the HV so parents would use the HV service for advice and support. It was the gateway to assessing the wellbeing of the unborn baby, where parents shared their transition to parenthood, whilst HVs assessed parental need. The wellbeing needs of the unborn baby were the main concern of HVs and parents with a focus on safety. Managing the antenatal visit involved HVs providing appropriate support and advice according to parental need.

Conclusions

The study led to the discovery of the substantive theory: expectant parents and HVs adjusting to support the wellbeing of the unborn baby at the antenatal visit. It established the significance of therapeutic relationship building underpinning early identification of need and provision of individualised HV support to parents.