Multidisciplinary integrated Parent and Child Centres in Amsterdam: a qualitative study

Authors

  • Vincent Busch
  • Henk François Van Stel
  • Johannes Rob Josephus De Leeuw
  • Edward Melhuish
  • Augustinus Jacobus Petrus Schrijvers

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.887

Keywords:

child health, family centres, integrated services, multidisciplinary cooperation, health professionals, Netherlands

Abstract

Background: In several countries centres for the integrated delivery of services to the parent and child have been established. In the Netherlands family health care service centres, called Parent and Child Centres (PCCs) involve multidisciplinary teams. Here doctors, nurses, midwives, maternity help professionals and educationists are integrated into multidisciplinary teams in neighbourhood-based centres. To date there has been little research on the implementation of service delivery in these centres.

Study Design: A SWOT analysis was performed by use of triangulation data; this took place by integrating all relevant published documents on the origin and organization of the PCCs and the results from interviews with PCC experts and with PCC professionals (N=91). Structured interviews were performed with PCC-professionals (health care professionals (N=67) and PCC managers N=12)) and PCC-experts (N=12) in Amsterdam and qualitatively analysed thematically. The interview themes were based on a pre-set list of codes, derived from a prior documentation study and a focus group with PCC experts. 

Results: Perceived advantages of PCCs were more continuity of care, shorter communication lines, low-threshold contact between professionals and promising future perspectives. Perceived challenges included the absence of uniform multidisciplinary guidelines, delays in communication with hospitals and midwives, inappropriate accommodation for effective professional integration, differing expectations regarding the PCC-manager role among PCC-partners and the danger of professionals' needs dominating clients' needs.

Conclusions: Professionals perceive PCCs as a promising development in the integration of services. Remaining challenges involved improvements at the managerial and organizational level. Quantitative research into the improvements in quality of care and child health is recommended.

Author Biographies

Vincent Busch

MSc.; PhD Student, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Henk François Van Stel

PhD, Associate Professor, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Johannes Rob Josephus De Leeuw

PhD, Senior researcher, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

Edward Melhuish

Prof. PhD., Institute for the Study of Children, Families and Social Issues, Birkbeck University of London, London UK. 

Augustinus Jacobus Petrus Schrijvers

Prof. PhD., Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

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Published

2013-04-12

Issue

Section

Research & theory