What is it about?
We spoke with families and health care workers in Armadale, Western Australia, about their experience of accessing health care for young children. Many families in the area faced problems getting enough food, or a house to sleep in - this became their priority for their children. Others wanted help to understand their child's development but long waitlists delayed getting that help, sometimes by years. Many parents also spoke a language other than English at home, and had no extended family in Australia, leaving parents feeling very alone in raising their children, lonely, and overwhelmed. These experiences affected parents mental health. Parents asked for support to be provided in one nearby place, with coffee mornings and a chance to meet other families, and with health workers to answer questions and provide a safe place to learn about child development.
Featured Image
Photo by BBC Creative on Unsplash
Why is it important?
This study was important to identifying a model of support that is relevant to this community. To increase equity we will continue to engage with families in co-design as we aim to develop a one-stop-shop. At the centre will be a focus on strong relationships to provide a safe place for families.
Perspectives
We have the joy of continuing to be in this community, working in co-design to translate our longitudinal research findings in a relevant way. I look forward to sharing more as we move along.
Dr Helen J. Nelson
Carey Hope Ltd.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Facilitators and barriers of accessing community health services for children in the early years: An Australian qualitative study, Journal of Pediatric Nursing, March 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.01.009.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
