Fringe work: peripheral work in health visiting

Abstract

Fringe work is a category developed in a grounded theory study into health visiting, accounting for a series of activities that health visitors were not expected or supposed to engage in. It is mainly a response to the deficiencies or gaps that health visitors encountered in both the health care and social systems, and operates by mobilising, developing and substituting resources. Fringe work highlights for the client the relevance of the health visitor's service, and contributes to the development of relationships with clients in two ways: it produces reciprocity and it enhances solidarity. While it may be said that fringe work represents a progressive form of work it can also be viewed as a paternalistic approach to health visiting.