Joyce L Marshall1, Josephine M Green, Helen Spiby. 1. Senior Lecturer, Department of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, West YorkshireProfessor of Psychosocial Reproductive Health, Mother and Infant Research Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Heslington, YorkProfessor of Midwifery, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Physiotherapy, University of Nottingham, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and the first years of life are important times for future child well-being. Early identification of families and children who might be likely to experience poorer outcomes could enable health professionals and parents to work together to promote each child's well-being. Little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of such an approach to parents. OBJECTIVE: To investigate parents' views about how health professionals should identify and work with families who may benefit from additional input to maximize their children's future health and well-being. DESIGN: A qualitative study using focus groups. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Eleven focus groups were conducted with a total of 54 parents; 42 mothers and 12 fathers living in the north of England. RESULTS: Parents welcomed the idea of preventive services. They strongly believed that everyone should have access to services to enhance child well-being whilst recognizing that some families need additional support. Making judgements about who should receive additional services based on specific criteria evoked powerful emotions because of the implication of failure. Parents projected a belief in themselves as 'good parents' even in adverse circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted additional preventive services can be acceptable and welcome if health professionals introduce them sensitively, in the context of an existing relationship, providing parents are active participants.
BACKGROUND: Pregnancy and the first years of life are important times for future child well-being. Early identification of families and children who might be likely to experience poorer outcomes could enable health professionals and parents to work together to promote each child's well-being. Little is known about the acceptability and feasibility of such an approach to parents. OBJECTIVE: To investigate parents' views about how health professionals should identify and work with families who may benefit from additional input to maximize their children's future health and well-being. DESIGN: A qualitative study using focus groups. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Eleven focus groups were conducted with a total of 54 parents; 42 mothers and 12 fathers living in the north of England. RESULTS: Parents welcomed the idea of preventive services. They strongly believed that everyone should have access to services to enhance child well-being whilst recognizing that some families need additional support. Making judgements about who should receive additional services based on specific criteria evoked powerful emotions because of the implication of failure. Parents projected a belief in themselves as 'good parents' even in adverse circumstances. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted additional preventive services can be acceptable and welcome if health professionals introduce them sensitively, in the context of an existing relationship, providing parents are active participants.
Authors: Jean G Ford; Mollie W Howerton; Gabriel Y Lai; Tiffany L Gary; Shari Bolen; M Chris Gibbons; Jon Tilburt; Charles Baffi; Teerath Peter Tanpitukpongse; Renee F Wilson; Neil R Powe; Eric B Bass Journal: Cancer Date: 2008-01-15 Impact factor: 6.860
Authors: Jake M Najman; Mohammad R Hayatbakhsh; Michelle A Heron; William Bor; Michael J O'Callaghan; Gail M Williams Journal: J Pediatr Date: 2008-11-28 Impact factor: 4.406
Authors: Laurel K Leslie; Christopher J Mehus; J David Hawkins; Thomas Boat; Mary Ann McCabe; Shari Barkin; Ellen C Perrin; Carol W Metzler; Guillermo Prado; V Fan Tait; Randall Brown; William Beardslee Journal: Am J Prev Med Date: 2016-08-03 Impact factor: 5.043