title: Multidisciplinary integrated Parent and Child Centres in Amsterdam: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In several countries centres for the integrated delivery of services to the parent and child have been established. In the Netherlands family health care service centres, called Parent and Child Centres (PCCs) involve multidisciplinary teams. Here doctors, nurses, midwives, maternity help professionals and educationists are integrated into multidisciplinary teams in neighbourhood-based centres. To date there has been little research on the implementation of service delivery in these centres.
  
  
  METHODS
  A SWOT analysis was performed by use of triangulation data; this took place by integrating all relevant published documents on the origin and organization of the PCCs and the results from interviews with PCC experts and with PCC professionals (n=91). Structured interviews were performed with PCC-professionals [health care professionals (n=67) and PCC managers n=12)] and PCC-experts (n=12) in Amsterdam and qualitatively analysed thematically. The interview themes were based on a pre-set list of codes, derived from a prior documentation study and a focus group with PCC experts.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Perceived advantages of PCCs were more continuity of care, shorter communication lines, low-threshold contact between professionals and promising future perspectives. Perceived challenges included the absence of uniform multidisciplinary guidelines, delays in communication with hospitals and midwives, inappropriate accommodation for effective professional integration, differing expectations regarding the PCC-manager role among PCC-partners and the danger of professionals' needs dominating clients' needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Professionals perceive PCCs as a promising development in the integration of services. Remaining challenges involved improvements at the managerial and organizational level. Quantitative research into the improvements in quality of care and child health is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Vincent
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Busch
authors.forename: Henk François
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Van Stel
authors.forename: Johannes Rob Josephus
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: De Leeuw
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Melhuish
authors.forename: Augustinus Jacobus Petrus
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Schrijvers
keywords: Netherlands; child health; family centres; health professionals; integrated services; multidisciplinary cooperation