Novel instrument to guide nurse-led consultations with parents of three-year-olds in school health services in Flanders: A feasibility study of SPARK36

Abstract

BackgroundIn the framework of new legislation on School Health Services (SHS) in Flanders (Belgium), nurses lead a preventive consultation with every three-year-old child and its parent(s), with the aim of assessing risks in child development and potential parenting problems. This study assesses the feasibility of the “Structured Problem Analysis of Raising kids aged 36 months” (SPARK36), a broad-scope structured interview to facilitate such consultations. Design and methodsA feasibility study was conducted with SHS nurses across Flanders, to determine need for this instrument, acceptability and practical feasibility of SPARK36 with both parents and professionals. Nurses were trained to use the instrument. Mixed methods (i.e., questionnaires for both parents and nurses, and a focus group interview with nurses) were used to evaluate the feasibility of using SPARK36. ResultsParents were satisfied (97.0%) with what was discussed during the consultation and with the consultation's structure (98.8%). After the training, all 20 nurses felt strengthened in performing the consultation and in making a risk assessment. The interview was feasible in 20–30 min. During 561 interviews nurses gave parenting support in 88.2% of cases. ConclusionsSPARK36 is acceptable, practically feasible for parents and nurses, and it meets needs of both parties. The instrument supports nurses during their consultation. More research is needed to evaluate the instrument and to prepare its implementation in daily practice. Practice implicationsSPARK36 is a promising instrument for nurse-led consultations in the SHS setting.