Universal Health Visiting Pathway evaluation: phase 1 report - routine data analysis - implementation and delivery

Executive Summary

This report examined how the Universal Health Visiting Pathway (UHVP) has been implemented in Scotland and how the various elements of the pathway have been delivered. It concludes that since the UHVP was introduced, coverage has increased, and is largely equitable across socio-economic groups. In terms of review context, the majority of child health reviews are carried out in the child's home, and by a qualified health visitor following the guidance set out by Scottish Government. The number of reviews undertaken in the home has also been increasing with highest rates of in-home reviews seen in the most recent years examined by the report. However, for both coverage and context, while the majority of reviews are delivered as set out in the UHVP, some children are still being missed or their reviews delivered out with the home or by other healthcare professionals.

The report also evidenced that the use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) – the validated tool recommended to assess development during the reviews - has increased. Additionally, changes to the home visiting schedule to include additional child health reviews has demonstrated that these reviews are identifying new concerns for children without previous concerns flagged.