Parents' perceptions of care quality at child health centres: A cross‐sectional study from Sweden

Aim To examine parents' perceptions of care quality at child health centres. Specific objectives were to examine parents' perceptions of the care received and the subjective importance of such care. Furthermore, to examine the relationship between parents' sociodemographic characteristics and the perceptions of care quality. Design A cross‐sectional study. Methods A random sample of parents of children born in Sweden in 2021 participated. Data were collected by the QPP‐CHC questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results The response rate was 19.4%. The targeted sample size of 210 participants was reached as 584 parents responded to the questionnaire. Parents' overall ratings of care quality at child health centres indicated optimal quality with mean values >3. However, various potential improvements areas were identified as needing additional information. These included dental care ( m = 2.82), allergy prevention ( m = 2.25), breastfeeding ( m = 2.97), sleep ( m = 2.83), the child's behaviour ( m = 2.47) and the child's crying ( m = 2.47). Also, parents rated suboptimal quality regarding that the care was based on healthcare routines rather than parental preferences and needs ( m = 2.86). Parents born outside of the Nordic countries rated higher care quality than those born in the Nordic countries, as well as parents with a non‐academic education. Conclusion Parents want information based on their preferences and needs. Parent's perceptions of areas for improvement are new and important knowledge for registered nurses at child health centres. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care The findings indicate that parents feel that insufficient attention is given to areas of care that they perceive as important. Parents' perspectives on the care quality at child health centres is an important component of quality work and might lead to improvements in the care quality at child health centres. Reporting Method The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational ...