Social Work - Research Publications

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/11343/263

Filters

2022 1
Reset filters

Settings
Statistics
Citations
Author: Hickey, Lyndal × End date: 2023 × Start date: 2022 × Type: Report ×

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Item
    No Preview Available
    Infant Access Program Evaluation
    Hickey, L ; Harms, L ( 2022-03-30)
    This project was commissioned by the Eastern Health Foundation to evaluate the implementation of the ‘Infant Access Program’ (IAP). The IAP seeks to improve access to specialist infant mental health services for children aged 0-5 years with mental health difficulties in the Maroondah City and Yarra Ranges local government areas. This report provides an overview of the evaluation method, key findings, and recommendations for future IAP research and program development to build the evidence base in infant mental health service provision. The program evaluation project used a mixed methods approach to evaluate the implementation of the Infant Access Program (IAP). The aims of the project were: - To identify existing models and programs designed to improve access to mental health services for children aged 0-5 years that have been implemented nationally and internationally in health and mental health sectors. - To evaluate if the IAP facilitates access to mental health services for children aged 0-5 years with mental health difficulties and their families. - To assess if the IAP is delivering mental health services to the target population: children at-risk of mental health difficulties. - To understand the experiences of clinicians who implemented the IAP. Findings: Despite the lack of specific research on this topic, the scoping review identified several broad themes for IAP to consider: (1) accessibility for at-risk populations (2) the importance of early detection of infants in need of mental health services and interventions; (3) the promotion of culturally responsive services and interventions; (4) ensuring the sustainability of IMH services and programs; and (5) the integration of innovative interventions to improve existing practice models. A total of ten participants (CYMHS clinicians and EMCH nurses) consented into this evaluation. The participants provided mental health and nursing services to three local government areas in the Melbourne’s eastern region. During the implementation period (May – October 2021), two CYMHS clinicians and four EMCH nurses collected IAP activity data related to thirteen infants and young children and their families who were consulted or referred to the program. Following the Infant Access Program Evaluation implementation period, semi-structured qualitative focus groups were conducted with the ten CYMHS clinicians and EMCH nurses to gain an understanding of their experiences of implementing the IAP in practice. The analysis of the IAP activity data and focus group discussions demonstrate that the IAP does facilitate access to mental health services for children aged 0-5 years with mental health difficulties and their families. Access to specialist mental health support for most children and families was rapid, with most children meeting the CYMHS clinician at a first joint home visit only 14 days after the initial consultation with the EMCH nurse. This rapid response demonstrates the IAP is nimble and flexible in offering infant mental health services in a time sensitive manner. The program received referrals for infant mental health services for its intended target population: infants and children and their families experiencing known risk factors for poor mental health outcomes. Families with a range of complex psychosocial risk factors can often experience significant challenges in accessing specialist services such as infant mental health intervention for their child despite having concerns about their social and emotional development. The IAP managed the initial engagement with families by leveraging the existing relationship the family had with the EMCH nurse, however, there were challenges with maintaining engagement and delivering mental health interventions. Although the initial access to the IAP is a strength of the current design, further consideration is needed as to the ways in which to meaningfully engage with families of infants and children with mental health difficulties that are acceptable and sustainable. The IAP had the full support of all the CYMHS clinicians and EMCH nurses who were involved during the implementation phase of this evaluation. The experience of clinicians and nurses working in partnership, bringing skills sets of mental health clinicians and maternal child health together was considered a strength of the IAP design. The access and rapid response from the CYMHS clinicians to consult and meet with the families was also valued. This ensured a timely response to the needs of infants and children with mental health difficulties and capitalised on the readiness and willingness of families to engage with mental health services. The clinicians and nurses recognised the challenges of working with a population that is at-risk in our community. Establishing trust with the families was identified as the key to successful engagement with IAP. Creative ways of engaging families were also important, offering choice for when and where to meet the IAP clinician.