| Abstrakt: |
Recent debates about NHS service delivery have placed a greater emphasis on the quality of care received by patients. This article will consider a key transformative element of care as applied to the health visitor role—that of reflective function. The very essence of health visiting practice is the relationship that develops between practitioner and parent; however, this may take time, regular home visits and skilful communication, with parents left feeling under-valued and misunderstood (Cowley et al, 2013). It is this ‘therapeutic health visiting relationship’ I would argue is needed to enhance a mother's reflective function and her ability to see past her infant's behaviour towards the underlying feelings, facilitating her infant's secure attachment and healthy development. |
