| Project Objectives / Summary:
The Young Families Project's overall goal was to enhance the health of children in their early years of life via the development, implementation and evaluation of an evidence-based integrated package of health promoting interventions for young families in socio-economically disadvantaged area of Western Sydney. The intervention was intended to increase the knowledge and skills, and enhance collaboration between general practitioners and other health professionals involved in the primary health care of young families.
Project Outcomes:
The project was implemented in three phases:
Phase 1 - literature review and analysis (funded in 1999 through the National Innovations Funding Pool Round 1): The Literature Review analysed research into major child development issues, primarily in the family context, with a major focus on risk and protective factors. The literature review can be found in the final report located on the Division's website.
Phase 2 - development, implementation and evaluation of an integrated health professional education package based on the findings of Phase 1. The focus of the trial and evaluation was the acceptability and perceived value of the package to GPs and parents rather than its impact on professional capability or family wellbeing) Four linked educational interventions were trialled:
1."Winning with Young Families" Education Series - a multidisciplinary, interactive education series intended to increase knowledge, skills and relationships among GPs and Community Nurses dealing with young families through the presentation of current, relevant information by experts from appropriate areas including neonatology, paediatrics, community psychology / psychiatry, and child protection.
2. "Having a Baby" Newsletter Series - a 12 part series developed by health professional from the Western Sydney Division and Western Sydney Area Health Service providing relevant "staged" information to newly pregnant women. Copies of the newsletter can be found on the Divisions Website.
3. Newsletter Evidence-Based Supplements (NEBS) - NEBS distributed to GPs at the same intervals as consumers. "Having a Baby" Newsletter. The NEBS aimed to provide GPs with a more detailed, evidence-based account of the information given to each Young Family Project participant, as well as a resource for further information around the topics included in the newsletters.
The subsequent evaluation of the NEBS series resulted in the development of complimentary resources to fill the identified gaps including:
- The "Having a Baby" 40 week pregnancy calendar
Development Milestones insert - developed to be attached to the "Having a Baby" newsletters 6 - 12. The insert lists basic milestones pertaining to the relevant age of the infant.
- School Aged Mum Information Sheet - This component addresses the differing needs within family structures and is most relevant to a "teen-aged girl". It addresses issues of language and image that other YFP resources had created i.e. the image of a nuclear family. It gives positive information regarding pregnancy and continued educational experiences. Information is provided on where to go for assistance throughout pregnancy whilst attending an educational facility.
4. Young Family Project Introductory Pack - a resource pack distributed by GPs when the newly diagnosed pregnant woman agreed to participate in the project.
Phase 3 - roll out of intervention. The modified intervention will be trialled in at least two local group areas in parallel with: -
- WSAHS service developments
- NSW Health initiatives such as Families First
- The further development of local health professional networks and
- Development of shared clinical and communication protocols.
This phase is being supported by Divisional Outcomes Based funding.
Project Collaboration:
- Western Sydney Area Health Service - Paediatric Advisor & Community Health Stream
- Centre for Epidemiology and Effectiveness, University of Sydney, Westmead
- University Department of General Practice, University of Sydney, Westmead
Lessons / Assessment:
Engagement of GPs across traditional professional service barriers remains a challenge requiring careful planning to overcome. The system remains characterised by fragmentation, duplications and significant gaps. The development of systems, processes and relationships that ensure recognition and effective support for of families and children at risk remains the key challenge for the triennium.
Consumer input and flexibility is needed for the development of useful resources. The Division acted upon consumer input and feedback from GPs and community nurses to refine resource material eg to take account of cultural differences, literacy levels and the prevalence of single parent families. The resulting resources are user friendly, transferable and easily modified in response to identified needs and cultural sensitivities.
The earlier in the pregnancy that a person is recruited, the more likelihood of achieving greater benefits. The nature health promoting of the information contained within the "Having a Baby" Newsletter Series and the "Having a Baby" Pregnancy Calendar will be best used as an early educational intervention allowing healthy choices to be made by each participating woman at an early stage in their pregnancy. This empowers participants with ongoing appropriate knowledge throughout the pregnancy.
This project addressed a pressing need within the Division's catchment area which is also a need identifiable in many other Divisions. The Division will continue the Young Families Project as a major OBF program to encompass the support required for young families from pregnancy through to twelve years of age, although the primary focus will remain children to 5 years of age. |
