Authors: Mischenko, Jane; Cheater, Francine; Street, Jane

Source: Community Practitioner, Volume 77, Number 2, February 2004 , pp. 57-60(4)

Publisher: Community Practitioner

Abstract:

The paper describes the introduction of Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training (NCAST) in two primary care trusts in Leeds, UK. The NCAST tools measure caregiver-child interaction and there is substantial research demonstrating the important links between the quality of the caregiver-child interaction and a child's subsequent intellectual, language and emotional development. The NCAST tools were developed in the US by Kathryn Barnard (Washington University, Seattle). Health visitors in Leeds have undertaken rigorous training to use the tools to inform the assessment and subsequent intervention in their work with families.

The paper presents the context of health visiting practice and the justification of health visitors further developing their assessment skills in relation to caregiver-child interaction. A case-study is included in the paper to illustrate the application of the tools in a child protection context. Initial experiences of implementing NCAST tools in practice are included and early reports from health visitors using NCAST scales are positive. A substantial evaluation of the practice development is underway.

Keywords: NCAST; CAREGIVER-CHILD; HEALTH VISITOR; ASSESSMENT

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2004-02-01

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• Community Practitioner - the journal of the Community Practitioners' and Health Visitors' Association (Unite/CPHVA) - has a readership that includes over 20,700 healthcare professionals who work in the community, caring for over 5,000,000 clients, patients and families across the UK. These comprise health visitors, school nurses, district nurses, practice nurses, community paediatric nurses, community nursery nurses and other community-based practitioners.
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