Adaptation and implementation of the nurse-family partnership in Canada.

TitleAdaptation and implementation of the nurse-family partnership in Canada.
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsJack, S. M., D. Busser, D. Sheehan, A. Gonzalez, E. J. Zwygers, and H. L. MacMillan
PubMed ID23618049
Grant List / / Canadian Institutes of Health Research / Canada

OBJECTIVES: International agencies are required to adapt, pilot and then evaluate the effectiveness of the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) prior to broad implementation of this public health intervention. The objectives of this qualitative case study were to: 1) determine whether the NFP can be implemented in Canada with fidelity to the US model, and 2) identify the adaptations required to increase the acceptability of the intervention for service providers and families.

PARTICIPANTS: 108 low-income, first-time mothers in Hamilton, Ontario, received the NFP intervention. In-depth interviews were conducted with NFP clients (n=38), family members (n=14) and community professionals (n=24).

SETTING: Hamilton, Ontario.INTERVENTION AND DATA COLLECTION: An intensive nurse home visitation program delivered to women starting early in pregnancy and continuing until the child was two years old. Processes to adapt and implement the NFP were explored across seven focus groups with public health nurses and managers. Eighty documents were reviewed to identify implementation challenges. Data were analyzed using directed content analysis.

OUTCOMES: The NFP model elements are acceptable to Canadian health care providers, public health nurses and families receiving the intervention. The primary adaptation required was to reduce nurse caseloads from 25 to 20 active clients. Recommendations for adapting and implementing all model elements are described.

CONCLUSION: The NFP model requires minor adaptations to increase the acceptability of the intervention to Canadian stakeholders. A consistent approach to adapting the NFP program in Canada is necessary as provincial jurisdictions commit themselves to supporting an experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of the NFP.

Title Adaptation and implementation of the nurse-family partnership in Canada.
Publication Title Can J Public Health
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2012
Authors S.M. Jack; D. Busser; D. Sheehan; A. Gonzalez; E.J. Zwygers; H.L. MacMillan
ISSN Number 1920-7476
PubMed ID 23618049
Grant List
-

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For breaking news and to stay connected, follow us on social media. Sign up to get our E-News delivered straight to your inbox.