Objectives: An in-depth, qualitative consultation was undertaken (by the CS evaluation team) to support development of the CS early years referral pathway. The aim was to gather key stakeholders' views as to how to ensure that, while families ‘universally' engage with the service, those families ‘most in need' receive intensive support.
Methods: Five focus groups and one in-depth interview were undertaken with key professional groups including Public Health Nurses, Health Support Workers and Service Development Managers. All participants were employed by NHS Lanarkshire. Appropriate ethical and clinical governance approval was obtained. The data were analysed thematically.
Results: Participants were supportive of ‘a tailored service for all'. However, potential challenges to implementing a tailored package of preventative care were voiced. These included those most in need not always being synonymous with those living in high deprivation areas, and barriers to lower income families accessing dental practices. HSW's being embedded within the PHN team and ongoing communication between professional groups were regarded as paramount.
Conclusion: The exercise underscored the value, for programme development, in gathering the views of staff implementing the initiative, and, adopting a collaborative approach whereby evaluation staff facilitate programme development. Further consultation is required to explore variations across NHS Boards.