What are the barriers to parents using child and family health nursing services during the first year of their child's life in NSW?

Abstract

Research highlights a child's environment and experiences during the first 2000days has a lasting impact on their health, development and wellbeing. In NSW, it is recommended that all children under 5years of age have free routine health and developmental checks, promoting optimal childhood development and shaping future health outcomes. There appears to be a strong indication that parents do not return for their checks. Between 2019 and 2020, a qualitative study was undertaken aiming to identify and better understand the key factors driving parents' disengagement from child family health nursing (CFHN) services after contact in their baby's first year. Moreover, having a greater understanding of key factors driving parents' early service disengagement may help to reshape service delivery. During the study period, parents of infants who had received the 1-4-week health check with CFHN services were informed about the study and invited to participate. A total of 104 families gave consent to take part in phone interviews. These interviews were transcribed and analysed using straightforward thematic analysis. Qualitative data were gathered to explore families' experiences with the CFHN services. Less than 35% of families utilised CFHN services, whereas >62% visited their general practitioners. Barriers identified included the presence of multiple services, established relationships with current health professionals, limited accessibility, convenience factors and parents' lack of knowledge regarding CFHN services. On a positive note, half of the participants reported experiencing no barriers. This study emphasises the need for better awareness and accessibility to CFHN services. The findings are concerning, because children missing health screenings may experience delays in early identification and intervention before starting school.