Home visitation practice: models, documentation, and evaluation

Public Health Nurs. 2002 Jan-Feb;19(1):21-9. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1446.2002.19004.x.

Abstract

This article presents an evaluation of an in-home support program for at-risk mothers and their children. The program was multidisciplinary and was focused on development of parenting capacity and child-development competencies. The authors examine issues and problems that resulted from the blending of two models of practice-stabilization/crisis intervention and early intervention/health promotion-and describe the outcome-based evaluation that was used to assess initial and ongoing child development, parent-child interaction, family environment, and social support. When documentation and evaluation of practice and its effect on outcomes proved a considerable challenge, the authors developed a classification system to describe practice in three areas: situations addressed, interventions used, and referrals made. The article describes challenges surrounding program development, implementation, and evaluation.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alberta
  • Catchment Area, Health
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Documentation*
  • Female
  • House Calls*
  • Humans
  • Maternal Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Models, Organizational*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Pregnancy
  • Public Health Nursing / organization & administration*