Acceptability, Feasibility, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Wellbeing Coordination Program in an Integrated Health and Social Care Hub: A Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Integrated health and social care
• Child and family wellbeing
• Care navigation and social prescribing

Background:

• Families facing adversity often have complex needs and encounter barriers accessing essential health and social services.
• Existing systems may not adequately address the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable families.
• Improved access to coordinated care is crucial for supporting child and family wellbeing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of a Wellbeing Coordination (WBC) program.
• To assess the WBC program's potential to improve access to services for families experiencing adversity.
• To understand the perspectives of caregivers and practitioners on the WBC program within a Child and Family Hub setting.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study design was employed.
• Data were collected through surveys and interviews with participating and non-participating caregivers (n=29) and Hub practitioners (n=21).
• The study focused on the Wellbeing Coordination (WBC) program integrated within a Child and Family Hub.

Main Results:

• Caregivers and practitioners reported the WBC program as acceptable and largely feasible.
• The program showed potential in reducing caregiver loneliness and enhancing their health and community connection.
• Participants gained increased knowledge and confidence in supporting child and family health and wellbeing.

Conclusions:

• The Wellbeing Coordination (WBC) program demonstrates acceptability and feasibility for supporting families.
• Future enhancements should focus on communication, organizational support, and flexible eligibility.
• Further research with larger, diverse samples is needed to establish definitive program effectiveness.