Quality of Early Intervention Program Services in Mother-Child Health Care Centers for At-Risk Population: Multiple Perspectives.

Abstract

Aims: Mother-Child Health Centers in Israel offer comprehensive health-care services, including unique screening programs that serve as important preventive services for families of lower socioeconomic status. This study aimed to explore the service quality regarding family-centered care and professionalism from the perspectives of parents, providers, and observers.

Methods: Eighty-nine Arabic-speaking parents of children (M = 17.4, SD = 11.7) from East Jerusalem completed socio-demographic, self-efficacy, care, and child development questionnaires. Five providers completed demographic-professional and care questionnaires; two occupational therapists completed observation forms.

Results: Most parents reported moderate self-efficacy, and half of the children had suspected/detected developmental delays. Parents rated enabling, partnership and respectful care highly, with low scores for providing information. Observations indicated higher scores for professional referrals and listening to parents, but lower scores for providing adapted-written information. Content analysis revealed two main categories knowledge provision and parent-provider interaction with sub-categories.

Conclusion: This study highlights the value of assessing early intervention services from multiple perspectives, confirming that high-quality interaction between recipients and providers is essential for successful family-centered services, while emphasizing the need for socio-cultural adjustments. Further research involving large samples of providers and diverse at-risk populations, and long-term assessment is recommended to refine and enhance these services.