Thesis
The Intermediate Benefits of the Sustaining NSW Families Program in Northern NSW Local Health District
Southern Cross University
Master of Science (MSc), Southern Cross University
2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.288
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
Background
The first years of an infant’s life are a critical stage of development. During this time foundations are laid for future physical, emotional and mental well-being. The enduring role of infant experiences on future development is of high importance to health services. Community home-visit programs that provide early parenting interventions aim to support families to reduce the risks that could hinder an infant’s development.
The Sustaining New South Wales Families (SNF) program is an evidence-based community home-visit program in New South Wales, Australia, that has been providing early intervention for eligible families since 2011. The SNF program is designed to help parents identify and meet their child’s needs, as well as to support parents to prepare for their child’s future needs.
Study Aim
The aim of this study is to investigate the three intermediate outcomes of the SNF program and identify potential barriers and enablers.
The three intermediate outcomes of the SNF program are
• Outcome 1. Optimise maternal health and well-being
• Outcome 2. Optimise child health, development and well-being
• Outcome 3. Optimise parenting and family functioning
Method
A mixed method study, including questionnaires and an interview, was designed to evaluate the SNF home-visit intermediate outcomes and identify potential barriers and enablers to achieving intermediate program outcomes. Clients who participated in the SNF program between 2014-2018 were invited to participate.
Results
A total of 47 (52.80%) participants from 89 potential families agreed to participate in this study. Quantitative analysis indicated the majority of SNF intermediate outcomes were generally supported 2-6 years post-program.
The key findings identified from the qualitative data were the Significance of the nurse, Impact of mental health and an Increase in personal capacity.
Further analysis of qualitative data highlighted enablers and barriers within the SNF program structure, content and delivery. The nurse-participant relationship was described as the key enabler of the program.
Conclusion
SNF provides an important service to the improvement of family and child development and well-being. The program outcomes are influenced by maternal mental health, the nurse-participant relationship and the nurse’s skills and knowledge. Improving a participant’s experience of the program may be strengthened by reviewing and addressing some program outcomes.
Details
- Title
- The Intermediate Benefits of the Sustaining NSW Families Program in Northern NSW Local Health District
- Creators
- Jennifer Thomson
- Contributors
- Christina Aggar (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversityFrances Mary Doran (Supervisor) - Southern Cross UniversitySusan Nancarrow (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Master of Science (MSc)
- Theses
- Master of Science (MSc), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University
- Number of pages
- 166
- Identifiers
- 991013128113702368
- Copyright
- © J Thomson 2022
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health; School of Health and Human Sciences
- Resource Type
- Thesis