‘Every time the phone rings the twins climb on the table. help!’ the significance of personal history in the values and agendas of health visitors

Abstract

In one reflective phase of a larger collaborative action research study the author explores the values and personal beliefs that affect her health visiting agenda with families. By examining early recollections from childhood, adult experiences and critical incidents in conjunction with the literature and themes from other phases she begins to build her theory of health visiting, identifying values that appear to be implicit in descriptions of good practice. Reflection on the realisation of these values in her practice forms a trigger for identifying contradictions when values are denied and effectiveness is affected. The question arises, where should control lie in health visiting? The author identifies personal beliefs, which if used in some ways could reduce the effectiveness of her work. To live her motivating values consistently she needs to reconsider the validity of some long-held personal beliefs. She begins to construct a more responsive style of relating ‘alongside’ families. In this way, they enquire and learn together as she takes account of their individual needs and personal resources. She looks particularly at the usefulness of humour and playfulness.