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Examining the social construction of surveillance: A critical issue for health visitors and public health nurses working with mothers and children
Author(s) -
Peckover Sue,
Aston Megan
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1111/jocn.14014
Subject(s) - meaning (existential) , privilege (computing) , context (archaeology) , public health , health care , nursing , public relations , sociology , psychology , medicine , political science , paleontology , law , psychotherapist , biology
Aims and objectives To critically examine surveillance practices of health visitors ( HV ) in the UK and public health nurses ( PHN s) in Canada. Background The practice and meaning of surveillance shifts and changes depending on the context and intent of relationships between mothers and HV s or PHN s. Design We present the context and practice of HV s in the UK and PHN s in Canada and provide a comprehensive literature review regarding surveillance of mothers within public health systems. We then present our critique of the meaning and practice of surveillance across different settings. Methods Concepts from Foucault and discourse analysis are used to critically examine and discuss the meaning of surveillance. Results Surveillance is a complex concept that shifts meaning and is socially and institutionally constructed through relations of power. Conclusions Healthcare providers need to understand the different meanings and practices associated with surveillance to effectively inform practice. Relevance to clinical practice Healthcare providers should be aware of how their positions of expert and privilege within healthcare systems affect relationships with mothers. A more comprehensive understanding of personal, social and institutional aspects of surveillance will provide opportunities to reflect upon and change practices that are supportive of mothers and their families.