Barrett EO, Laholt H, Lorem GF, Wang CEA. Exploring public health nurses' acceptability of clinical assessment tools in a Norwegian child health centre.
Prim Health Care Res Dev 2024;
25:e10. [PMID:
38343358 PMCID:
PMC10894717 DOI:
10.1017/s146342362400001x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Infants' symptoms of mental struggle are often diffuse and undifferentiated, and health services do not identify many infants at risk of poor development. However, primary health care is advantageous for early identification, given there are frequent consultations during the infant's first two years. Health policy encourages using evidence-based screening but use varies in primary health care. The Alarm Distress Baby Scale (ADBB) is an assessment tool targeting social withdrawal in infants 2-24 months of age.
AIM
To explore contextual factors related to public health nurses' (PHNs) acceptability of clinical assessment tools in a Norwegian child health centre.
METHODS
Prior to an upcoming ADBB training, we used focus group discussions with PHNs to explore their views on their professional role and practice and how this concurs with using assessment tools.
FINDINGS
Thematic analysis resulted in the following themes: (1) A Role requiring Supporting the Parents and Safeguarding the Infant; (2) The Challenge of Interpreting Infant Expressions; and (3) Organisational Preconditions for Accepting New Methods.
CONCLUSION
Our findings show that PHNs regard assessment tools as an aid to detect infants at risk, but that systematic use of such tools can hinder their ability to be flexible, egalitarian, and resource-focused. We also find that acceptability of assessment tools requires a system for continuous training and a well-established referral routine.
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