Listening visits by health visitors as an intervention for mild-to-moderate postnatal depression or anxiety

This study explored the experiences of health visitors carrying out listening visits to support women suffering from mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety in the postnatal period. Thirty-three health visitors from one Trust were surveyed using an online questionnaire. Health visitors identified that they carry out a range of responsive activities during a listening visit, including non-directive listening. They focus on the whole family, supporting women to deal with complex bio-psychosocial issues. They raise concerns about whether they are equipped to deal with such needs and suggest that preparation of the workforce in the use of therapeutic tools and wider knowledge of mental disorders would improve delivery. Listening visits are valued by health visitors who report positive feedback from mothers. For health visitors to deliver this intervention effectively, they require appropriate training and supervision. Set standards may also support more effective outcome measuring.