Examination of new parents' evaluation of postnatal educational materials

Many new parents require information and education to provide optimum care of their newborn infant. In Newfoundland and Labrador, postnatal education is provided to new parents during the postnatal period through a variety of sources. However, no assessment or evaluation of postnatal educational materials has been done to determine the extent to which parents find available materials helpful. There is little empirical support for written and online postnatal materials, despite the fact that there is ample evidence for the need for postnatal education. The purpose of this practicum project was to obtain new parents’ perspectives and evaluation of postpartum educational materials. To achieve this purpose, I first conducted an integrative literature review of learning needs of new parents, and the value of postnatal educational materials. I then constructed a questionnaire following consultation with public health nursing leaders to elicit their expert advice regarding current postnatal educational materials, questions for parents and the appropriate target population. The questionnaire was pilot tested on a sample of first-time parents in the Eastern Regional Health Authority. Pilot test results revealed that new parents prefer to receive postnatal materials before they leave the hospital; find the materials distributed by public health nurses helpful; and, are comfortable using a computer at home to access information. Also, from the pilot test, it is apparent that the Postpartum Support Program is not being utilized within the Eastern Regional Health Authority. Based on pilot test results, I strongly recommend a province-wide survey to determine changes to how postnatal educational materials are distributed