Methods: A telephone-administered questionnaire was conducted with the co-ordinator in each Health Board. Data collected included method of disseminating information to distributors, distribution systems, monitoring pack movements and satisfaction with programme. As health visitors were identified as major distributors of packs, a postal survey of this group was undertaken in four Boards. Data were analysed using Minitab and differences between Boards and associations between responses investigated via chi-square tests.
Results: All co-ordinators responded and 243 (75%) questionnaires were returned by health visitors, of whom 96% reported involvement in the programme. Proportions of this group indicating receipt of information specific to 8-month-olds and 1-3 year-olds were 97% and 69%, respectively. Whilst pack distribution to 8-month-olds was undertaken almost exclusively by health visitors, a variety of personnel, settings and methods were used in attempts to supply 1-3-year-olds. Local co-ordinators and health visitors both reported high levels of satisfaction with the distribution relating to 8-month-olds, but for the older group, difficulties were reported, including numbers distributed and confusion about the targeting of children. For both age groups, statistically significant associations were found between level of satisfaction with the distribution process and level of information received by distributors (p<0.001). Most health visitors reported no system in place for recording pack numbers distributed to 8 month-olds (61%) or 1-3 year-olds (76%).
Conclusions: Both groups were positive about the programme, but the importance of good communication was highlighted. Contact with 1-3 year olds was difficult, due to the absence of scheduled health visitor appointments for this age group. Monitoring the number of packs issued posed major problems, with proxy indicators being required. Funded by Scottish Executive Health Department