Home visitor perspectives on implementing a precision approach to home visiting in communities serving Native American families.

Abstract

Family Spirit (FS) is a federally endorsed evidence-based home visiting programs serving as a key prevention strategy for expectant families and families with young children. Like other home-visiting programs, it shares client challenges in retention and engagement during implementation. We assessed (1) the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a precision approach to FS; and (2) differences in approaches to FS delivery. Home visitors, serving primarily Native American families, that delivered a standard (N=6) or a precision approach (N=6) to FS across four study sites each participated in up to four virtual focus group discussions (FGDs) (N=16). Facilitators and barriers to implementation were identified across the curriculum approach, relational and contextual levels. Facilitators: Relevant and culturally sensitive lessons, lesson structure, client-home visitor relationship, client buy-in, home visitor autonomy, leadership support, flexible funding, and training. Barriers: Irrelevant lessons, substance use content, missing topics, families experiencing crises, client and home visitor availability, client feedback, nonsupportive leadership, inadequate funding, and organizational policies and practices. The precision approach offers (1) tailoring of lessons that supports relevance of content to clients; and (2) a target timeframe that supports flexibility in lesson delivery. This model structure may improve client participation and retention.