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Abstract
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Aims
DayOne, a mental health well-being screening and intervention programme for caregivers of children
with developmental needs, was piloted in the Department of Child Development, a child development specialist clinic in a hospital in Singapore. Research has shown that these caregivers have increased mental well-being needs, but the current support from child development clinics is usually child – centred. 493 caregivers were provided with psychosocial, emotional, psychological and mental health support by either care coordinators, medical social workers, psychologists and/or psychiatrists. The aim of this study was to understand the impact and transformation that the DayOne programme had on caregivers’ well-being.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a total of 20 caregivers (Mean age = 38.6 years,
SD = 4.7 years) to understand their experience of participating in the DayOne programme.
Results and Conclusions
Qualitative thematic analysis identified three themes in caregiver outcomes. They had (i) increased self-awareness, (ii) learnt to prioritize their own mental well-being and (iii) improved mental well-being. In child and family outcomes, the two themes identified were improved relationships with their children and spouse.
The findings revealed the significance of having a mental well-being screening and intervention
programme in a child development specialist clinic. Through the programme, caregivers reported that the emphasis on themselves and their mental well-being through screening and/or intervention, led to holistic improvements in their personal lives and family relationships and better parenting of their children.
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