Nurses' first encounters with parents of new-born children--public health nurses' views of a good meeting.

Abstract

The nurse's view of the first meeting with parents of new-born children ma have consequences for the quality of future contact. A good start will lay a soli foundation for a lasting relationship, and have an affect on the nurse's work to support parents and children and to promote health. We do not know wha nurses mean by a 'good meeting'. The aim of this study was to discover how nurses view the first meeting as a general preventive measure aimed at all parents and their new-born children. Four focus groups interviews were held with nurses from different primary health care areas in the county of Skåne, southernmost Sweden. Analysis of the content in the transcribed interview texts disclosed eight subcategories: good contact/reciprocal relationship; willingness to listen; guest/ equal roles; time/peace and quiet; the family in its environment; socio-cultural aspects; confirmation/support; and individual advice. Three categories were established: creating trust; creating a supportive climate; and creating a picture of the family's life situation. The home visit was seen as an important way to establish trust and obtain a picture of the family's life situation, which was in turn essential for creating a supportive climate.