Child health nurses’ experiences and opinions of parent Internet use

Background: On the basis of parents’ growing use of the Internet as a resource for health-related information, and the total lack of scientific literature about how nurses in child healthcare experience how their work is affected, further information is needed. Purpose: This study describes child health nurses’ (CHN) experiences and opinions of parent Internet use. Design and methods: Using a qualitative descriptive approach, CHNs (n = 20) working at Health Centres in northern Sweden were interviewed. Results: An overarching theme named ‘Parents’ use of Internet has influenced Nurses’ work’ was identified. The theme comprises three categories; ‘Internet facilitating care, access, and provision’; ‘The Internet complicating the professional role and performance’; and ‘Sensing an imperative for a new role as a CHN. Conclusions: These findings add a fresh perspective to understanding the new and transformed professional role of CHNs.