Understanding Perinatal Education Needs Through the Insights of Health-Care Providers: A Qualitative Study

A mismatch exists between perinatal education provided and that which contributes to positive outcomes for parents. The aim of this study was to understand the "felt needs" of health-care providers in relation to perinatal education and apply these findings to guide the implementation of a new perinatal education program. Thematic analysis was undertaken following focus groups and interviews with health-care providers from an Australian maternity service. Data were analyzed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Identified barriers and enablers were mapped to inform implementation strategies. Forty-one staff participated. Findings were structured across the "domains" patients, intervention, inner setting, individuals involved, and process. Findings will contribute to the implementation of a perinatal education program resulting from collaborative codesign between health-care providers and parents.