885 What can a Family Liaison Serviceoffer families of children with disabilities and developmental difficulties? An in-depth service evaluation

Field: Health Professions (Health Sciences)

Aims

Families of children and young people (CYP) with disabilities or developmental difficulties (DDD) experience many challenges, which Sparkle's Family Liaison Service (FLS) aims to alleviate in South Wales. This walk-in service is multifaceted, including emotional support, liaison service, information and advice, and training. The FLS offers an extensive support and information service for families with a child with a diagnosis, or undergoing a diagnosis, of DDD. There is little prior research into liaison services for families of CYP with DDD. This evaluation, involving both families accessing the service and professionals involved in the care of CYP with DDD, aims to determine the impact the FLS has on families, and the health and social care professionals working with them.

Methods

A mixed methods evaluation of the service - which is currently delivered by four Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) across three Children's Centres in South Wales - included descriptive statistics collected between 2019 and 2021 and interviews with 10 families and 14 professionals, conducted between March and July 2020. An inductive thematic analysis was performed to allow categories to evolve from the data, and deductive thematic analysis was conducted using the components and objectives of the service (figure 1). The evaluation was approved by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Research and Development Department Research Risk Review Panel.

Results

The FLS responded to 5,041 contacts during the above time period. Families valued the accessibility of the service; there are no strict eligibility criteria, referrals or waiting lists, so families can receive support straight away, and when they most need it. Professionals commented on the importance of the FLOs being visible within the Children's Centres. Participants highlighted the importance of service provider skills. The FLOs being outside health, social care and education made them appear more approachable to families, who valued having a neutral third party to help resolve any issues that arise between families and professionals, and participants commented on not being afraid to ask questions they may not have asked other professionals (figure 2). Families appreciated the informal emotional support, including a listening ear, opportunities to off-load, and someone understanding to talk to. They also commented on the practical advice, training workshops and signposting to other sources of support provided by the FLS. Families and professionals felt the service created an inclusive community for parents and carers, where they can form their own support networks, and professionals commented on the FLOs' extensive knowledge and good connections with health and social care having a positive impact for families. This results in significant time saving for professionals, who previously felt they needed to find additional sources of support for families in addition to their clinical work.

Conclusion

The FLS is a unique way to meet unmet needs of families of CYP with DDD, including those undergoing diagnostic assessment. Vital to the success of the service is it's immediate accessibility. The in-depth information, holistic support and liaison with professionals is warmly received by families, and addresses issues professionals are unable to meet.