Title
Universal Early Home Visiting: A Strategy for Reaching all Postpartum Women
Date
2019
Author(s)
Arden Handler, Kristine Zimmermann, Bethany Dominik, and Caitlin E. Garland
Brief Type
Journal Publication
Model(s)
- Family Connects
Description
Objective: The objective of this study is to consider the role of universal nurse home visiting in the postpartum period as a potential strategy to promote women’s postnatal health. This study was derived from a formative research project aimed at understanding the early implementation of the Illinois Family Connects (IFC) universal postpartum home visiting program as perceived by key informants. Methods: Data from eighteen key informant (KI) interviews conducted between January and February 2018 and quantitative data extracted from reports from two IFC pilot counties were analyzed. Qualitative data were analyzed using Dedoose Version 8.0. Results: Data suggest that universal postpartum nurse home visiting has appeal as a postpartum women’s health strategy. The data also suggest that the success of such a strategy likely depends on: the value women, families, and community stakeholders attach to the program; the appeal of its universality and the support for home visiting by nurses in particular; the processes adopted by the hospitals and agencies implementing the program; strategies for engaging women after leaving the hospital; and, the initial and ongoing marketing of the program, which ultimately may affect women’s willingness to participate. Conclusions for Practice: Universal early postpartum home visiting is not a substitute for a woman’s visit with a medical provider; however, it should be viewed not only as an early childhood program but an important strategy for improving the delivery of postpartum care for women. (author abstract)
Data Collection Methods
- Interviews
- Program administrative record reviews
Status
Finished
For More Information
Handler, A., Zimmermann, K., Dominik, B., & Garland, C. E. (2019). Universal early home visiting: A strategy for reaching all postpartum women. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 23, 1414–1423://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-019-02794-5
Author Contact Information:
Kristine Zimmermann
Kzimme3@uic.edu
Topics
- Program Enhancements, Innovations, and Promising Approaches
- Participant Recruitment, Retention, Engagement, and Dosage