BackgroundFew early intervention programs aimed at maternal and child health have been developed to be integrated in the existing Child Health Service in a country where the service is free, voluntary and used by the majority of the eligible population. This study presents the process and the critical steps in developing the “New Mothers” program.MethodsFormative research uses a mixed method, allowing us to obtain data from multiple sources. A scoping review provided information on early intervention programs and studies, clarifying key elements when framing a new program. Key informant and focus group interviews offered insight of existing challenges, perceptions, identified power structures and offered reflections germane to the identified framework, securing user involvement at all stages. Monthly meetings with the project group enabled feedback loops for the data, securing program advancement.ResultsThe “New Mothers” program was formed based on a salutogenic theory, emphasizing resistance and strengths. Public health nurses in the existing Child Health Service were to offer universally all first-time mothers and children home visits from gestational week 28 until the child reached 2 years, with motivational interviewing and empathic communication as methods to mentor the mothers, help them identify their strengths and resources, and provide support and information.ConclusionsUsing formative research as mixed method ensures incorporation of detailed information from multiple resources when an early intervention program is developed. This method secured program appropriateness, both culturally and at system level, when integrating new elements in the existing service.
Despite recognition that immigrant women face significant health challenges, addressing the healthcare needs of immigrants is a source of debate in the United States. Lack of adequate healthcare for immigrants is recognized as a social justice issue, and other countries have incorporated immigrants into their healthcare services. Oslo, the fastest growing capital in Europe, is rapidly shifting to a heterogeneous society prompting organizational action and change. The New Families Program serves first‐time mothers and their infants in an Oslo district serving 53% minorities from 142 countries. Anchored in salutogenic theory, the program aims to support the parent–child relationship, children's development and social adaptation, and to prevent stress‐related outcomes. Formative research has informed the successful program development and implementation within the existing maternal and child healthcare service. Implications for addressing maternal and child health needs of an immigrant population are presented.
Background Explicit knowledge on how to develop a universal home visit program is warranted as most programs target high-risk, disadvantaged, pregnant young women. The New Families program, a salutogenic home visit program, was developed directed at all first-time families in a multiethnic district in Oslo in collaboration with the Public health nurses. The objective was to secure a healthy child development with long-term benefits. The current study describe the evolution of a project resulting in a sustainable and synergistic program of praxis to be implemented in the current Norwegian Child Health Service Clinic.Methods A feasibility study with qualitative data triangulation provided a comprehensive understanding of the acceptability, demand, practicality, and integration of the New Families program in the district’s Child Health Service Clinic. This two yearlong study included three focus group interviews with public health nurses who conducted 1109 home visits to 222 first-time families in the district, in addition to retrospective interviews with six participating families. The collected data was analysed using the six phases of thematic analysis recursive process.Results Developing a trusting relational continuity of care between the public health nurse and the family is at the core when facilitating support and help. The home visit was characterized as praxis oriented with a salutogenic focus, emphasizing the parents' strengths and resources, while engaging with the family in a collaborative and respectful way. The families and the public health nurse reported a decreased authoritative relationship without losing the experience professionalism.Conclusions An early home visit program for all new families delivered with proportionate universalism avoided stigmatizing vulnerable families and ensured high utilization of the health service. The participating families and public health nurses were in concert when endorsing the integration of the program in the Norwegian Child Health Service Clinic.
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