A Q methodology study to establish parents' views of family support interventions

The study aimed to discover the key elements of successful family support interventions from the perspective of service users (parents). A Q methodology study was conducted, as it is a method which drawing on quantitative and qualitative paradigms enables viewpoints to be established. The parents were recruited via member agencies of the Voluntary Sector Forum. Fifteen parents participated. A Q sort pack of 42 statements was generated, each statement comprising of aspects of family support care. All participants sorted the statements twice, once indicating their view of the ideal service and a second time indicating their view of actual experience of service. In total eight factors emerged. The four factors on the actual service suggest that parents have opportunities to make social connections, gain confidence, feel empowered and access help. The four factors on the ideal service suggest parents would like to feel understood and informed, have the opportunity for both parents to gain new skills, to enhance their ability to manage children’s behaviour and make changes following new learning. The findings will inform service developments including induction training for Family Support Worker