Contemporary child health nursing practice : case studies of services offered in metropolitan and outer Brisbane areas

This paper describes the findings of a qualitative study which sought to identify the changing role of the child health nurse within the contemporary health service environment. Using a case study design a picture of contemporary child health nursing services in Brisbane and surrounding areas was established. Contemporary services include both individual consultations with mothers and their children, group education sessions, parent management clinics and parenting programs. These contemporary services represent a significant shift in focus from original infant welfare services established in the early 20th century, but are also similar in their aim of providing education and support for women and their families in the community setting