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

The nurse's view of the first meeting with parents of new-born children may have consequences for the quality of future contact. A good start will lay a solid foundation for a lasting relationship, and have an affect on the n urse's work to support parents and children and to promote health. We do no t know what 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 childr en. Four focus groups interviews were held with nurses from different primary h ealth care areas in the county of Skane, southernmost Sweden. Analysis of the content in the transcribed interview tests disclosed eight subcategories: good contact/reciprocal relationship; willingness to listen; guest/equal roles; time/peace and quiet; the family in its environment; so cio-cultural aspects; confirmation/support; and individual advice. Three categories were established: creating trust; creating a supportive cl imate; 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 c reating a supportive climate.