A Qualitative Study of Professionals’ Experiences and Challenges in the Early Identification of Psychosocial Concerns in Children

Abstract

Aim. Early intervention and detecting early signs are often cited as a goal by professionals working with children, but detecting and describing early signs is not well explored. Thus, the study’s aim was to explore professionals’ experiences and challenges in the early identification of psychosocial concerns in children aged 0–16. Materials and Methods. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 26 professionals (e.g., nurses, psychologists, social workers, teachers, principals, and managers) working with children. The participants engaged in a pilot cooperation model between preschools, schools, social services, and healthcare to reach out early to children in need of support. The interviews were analyzed using thematic network analysis. Results. Four organizing themes were created as follows: “The idea of promoting and preventing is the key to success,” “Identifying the children who need support and intervention,” “Identifying observable early signs,” and “Occupied with children needing immediate support.” The organizing themes were interpreted into one global theme as follows: “All want an early intervention but putting it into practice is challenging.” Conclusion. The study shows that it is difficult to identify children in need of psychosocial support at an early stage because the early signs are difficult to detect. Thus, our results suggest that both preventive interventions targeting all children and specific interventions for those in need of support are needed to promote health and wellbeing.