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Understanding the implementation and effectiveness of a group-based early parenting intervention: a process evaluation protocol.
- Source :
- BMC Health Services Research; 9/15/2016, Vol. 16, p1-14, 14p, 2 Diagrams, 3 Charts
- Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- <bold>Background: </bold>Group-based early parenting interventions delivered through community-based services may be a potentially effective means of promoting infant and family health and wellbeing. Process evaluations of these complex interventions provide vital information on how they work, as well as the conditions which shape and influence outcomes. This information is critical to decision makers and service providers who wish to embed prevention and early interventions in usual care settings. In this paper, a process evaluation protocol for an early years parenting intervention, the Parent and Infant (PIN) program, is described. This program combines a range of developmentally-appropriate supports, delivered in a single intervention process, for parents and infants (0-2 years) and aimed at enhancing parental competence, strengthening parent-infant relationships and improving infant wellbeing and adjustment.<bold>Methods: </bold>The process evaluation is embedded within a controlled trial and accompanying cost-effectiveness evaluation. Building from extant frameworks and evaluation methods, this paper presents a systematic approach to the process evaluation of the PIN program and its underlying change principles, the implementation of the program, the context of implementation and the change mechanisms which influence and shape parent and infant outcomes. We will use a multi-method strategy, including semi-structured interviews and group discussions with key stakeholders, documentary analysis and survey methodology.<bold>Discussion: </bold>The integration of innovations into existing early years systems and services is a challenging multifaceted undertaking. This process evaluation will make an important contribution to knowledge about the implementation of such programs, while also providing an example of how theory-based research can be embedded within the evaluation of community-based interventions. We discuss the strengths of the research, such as the adoption of a collaborative approach to data collection, while we also identify potential challenges, including capturing and assessing complex aspects of the intervention.<bold>Trial Registration: </bold>ISRCTN17488830 (Date of registration: 27/11/15). This trial was retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- PARENTING
COMMUNITY-based family services
COMMUNITY-based veterinary services
FAMILY health
INFANT care
EDUCATION of parents
CHILD development
CHILD rearing
CLINICAL trials
COMPARATIVE studies
COST effectiveness
EXPERIMENTAL design
RESEARCH methodology
MEDICAL care
MEDICAL cooperation
PARENT-child relationships
RESEARCH
EVALUATION research
EVALUATION of human services programs
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14726963
- Volume :
- 16
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- BMC Health Services Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 118206862
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-016-1737-3