Publication Details
Bennett, E.,
Simpson, W.,
Fowler, C.,
Munns, A.,
&
Kohlhoff, J.
(2020).
Enhancing access to parenting services using digital technology supported practices.
Australian Journal of Child and Family Health Nursing, 17 (1), 4-11.
Abstract
Background: Early parenting services (EPS) in Australia provide a range of expanding and rapidly changing services, including innovative digital technologies to improve service access for metropolitan and rural families.
Aim: This research aims to provide comprehensive information required for the planning, implementation and evaluation of the use of digital technologies for service delivery with parenting/child and family services in Australia and New Zealand in metropolitan and rural settings.
Methods: An interpretive descriptive approach was applied using semi-structured interviews from 23 EPS practitioners and managers in five sites.
Findings: These are presented as five main themes – preparing the way, practitioner qualities, benefits of using technology, presenting challenges, and management and professional development requirements. The findings have provided recommendations for the ongoing work in this area, the recruitment of new employees, and ongoing professional development and planning of services using digital supported technologies.
Conclusion: This study has explored the experiences of both practitioners and managers, with a positive response despite navigating the initial and ongoing challenges that can occur with technology and internet capabilities. The use of digital technologies has significant benefits for rural and remote families due to many not having easy access to parenting services locally.
Keywords
study, semi-structured interviews, early parenting services, digital technology, metropolitan, rural, Australia, New Zealand
Comments
This article was published in the Australian Journal of Child and Family Health Nursing, June 2020.
Published version available online at: - https://doi.org/10.33235/ajcfhn.17.1.4-11
Permission granted by Australian Journal of Child and Family Health Nursing for use on ResearchOnline@ND.
© 2020 Maternal, Child & Family Health Nurses Australia
(https://www.mcafhna.org.au/Journal.aspx).