The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4228.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 3:45 PM

Abstract #44530

Evidence that universally-offered home visiting finds families at-risk

Junie Svenson, BA, MPH, Betty E. Kaplan, MPH, RN, and Penny A. Hatcher, MSN, DrPH. Division of Family Health, MCH Section, Minnesota Department of Health, P.O. Box 64882, St. Paul, MN 55164-0882

The Minnesota Department of Health is piloting six universally offered home visiting programs in urban and rural counties, including one reservation. The universal approach avoids reliance on a checklist or risk factors that may change from family to family on any given visit. Determination of need for enhanced parenting support is based on the professional judgment of the trained public health nurse and the interests of the family. Results from Year 2000 indicate that the program, Minnesota Healthy Beginnings (MHB), identified families who needed follow-up but who did not fit the common at-risk profiles. For example, 19% of the families visited needed or wanted follow-up related to emotions and depression. These parents/caregivers were likely to be older (49% were 25-35 years), married (57%); have more than 12 years of education (47.5%), and primarily white (80%) … characteristics that do not fit commonly associated at-risk profiles. In addition to universality and engagement data, additional data will be presented on family satisfaction and linkages with resources.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Home Visiting, Evidence Based Practice

Related Web page: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fh/mch/homevisit

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Home Health and Public Health Converge

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA