title: Improving the implementation of an early literacy program by child health nurses through addressing local training and cultural needs.
abstract: This study evaluates the implementation of an early literacy program by child health nurses (CHNs) in Geraldton and the Midwest regions of Western Australia. Children's early preschool exposure to reading is an important step in developing literacy skills in later schooling. The program aims to improve early literacy development by supplying parents with an appropriate book and information on reading to children at the child's seven-to-nine months of age health check. This study highlights the potential role of CHNs in encouraging early literacy in regional communities. However, a barrier to the successful implementation of the program was found to be its dependence on attendance at a predetermined health check. This was especially so for the Aboriginal population, which had a significantly lower attendance rate. Dependence on personal and professional experience amongst CHNs also resulted in sub-optimal implementation of the program. Recommendations to broaden the scope of the intervention, in timing and location, and to develop appropriate training for CHNs are discussed. It is shown that the implementation of such evidence-based programs must address local community and service provider issues to reach their full potential.
authors.affiliation: Western Australian Country Health Service - Midwest Murchison region, Geraldton WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Lee-anne
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Hewer
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Whyatt
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D004493:Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011932:Reading; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management