Key components of a service model providing early childhood support for women attending opioid treatment clinics: an Australian state health service review

Aims and objectives. To report the findings of a service review – specifically the strategy to provide early childhood services ‘on site’ at opioid treatment clinics to address access difficulties. Background. Child and family health nurses are skilled in the assessment and support of families during early childhood. However, women with a history of substance abuse are often cautious when engaging with universal and other health services, with the result that the infant may miss recommended developmental screening and early referral to improve health outcomes. Design. In 2006, an internal review was undertaken of the integration of early childhood and parenting services at opioid treatment clinics in a large Area Health Service of New South Wales, Australia. Methods. A qualitative study design, using semi‐structured interview questions was used. Data were collected via six focus groups (4–15 participants in each group) and individual interview of child and family health nurses, nurse unit managers and clinical staff (n = 58). Results. Three key components of a model for providing early childhood support in collaboration with opioid treatment services were identified. First, the importance of building a trusting relationship between the woman and the child and family health nurses, second, maintaining continuity of care and a multidisciplinary/multiagency approach, and finally the importance of staff education, support and professional development. Conclusion. The provision of early childhood and parenting services on site, as part of a multidisciplinary ‘one stop shop’ approach to service delivery was a clear recommendation of the review. Relevance to clinical practice. Reduction of access difficulties to specialised early childhood support is of benefit to clients, community health services attempting to provide a service to this difficult to reach population and to drug and alcohol services seeking to provide a high level of holistic care for clients.