The Parent Support Team Programme: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of an Early Intervention-Focused Child and Family
Jennifer Parker1, Adam Johns1,2, Kristy Kepu1
1Child and Family Health Nursing, Child Youth and Family Services, Population and Community Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Aims:
The Parent Support Team (PST) is an intensive early intervention home visiting programme delivered by child and family health nurses to families with infants aged 0-6 months experiencing psychosocial and health vulnerabilities. In contrast, mainstream services provide universal clinic-based care and scheduled developmental checks. This mixed-methods study aimed to: (1) describe demographic and psychosocial characteristics, service activity and well-baby check attendance among PST clients compared with mainstream service clients; (2) evaluate changes in maternal depressive symptoms following PST engagement; and (3) explore client experiences, including perceived outcomes and facilitators and barriers to change.
Design:
Convergent parallel mixed-methods study.
Methods:
Retrospective data were extracted from electronic medical records for PST clients (909 mothers; 1038 children) and mainstream service clients (17,707 mothers; 21,764 children) between August 2019 and December 2022. Quantitative analyses described demographics, psychosocial characteristics, service use and maternal depressive symptoms. PST client experience surveys (166 mothers) were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Results:
PST clients demonstrated greater psychosocial complexity and higher maternal depressive symptoms at entry than mainstream clients. PST mothers had more frequent service contacts and maintained stronger engagement with services after discharge. The proportion of mothers with clinically significant depressive symptoms decreased following programme participation. Survey findings indicated improved parenting confidence and practical skills. Positive outcomes were attributed to nurse qualities, opportunities to discuss concerns, a holistic care approach and the service model. Reported barriers included accessibility, scope of education topics and communication challenges.
Conclusion:
The PST programme effectively engages vulnerable families, supports maternal mental health and promotes sustained connection with child and family health services.
Impact:
Intensive early intervention home visiting programmes may improve outcomes for families with complex needs and warrant broader implementation.
Reporting Method:
SRQR guidelines were followed.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
None.
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