Project Summary

This study tests the effectiveness of multi-sector financing and delivery strategies in expanding the reach and impact of the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program across the U.S. Despite rigorous evidence of its ability to improve health and social outcomes for low-income pregnant women and their children, the NFP home visiting program currently reaches only a small proportion of the communities and families who could benefit from it. The study will use national, longitudinal data on NFP sites across the U.S. to estimate how alternative forms of multi-sector community collaboration influence program implementation and outcomes, including comparisons between healthcare-financed sites and social service-financed sites.  Researchers at the University of Colorado are collaborating with the NFP National Service Office, Illuminate Colorado, and Children's Hospital Colorado to conduct the study.  Findings will inform the development of case studies of high-performing NFP sites and best practice models that community stakeholders can use to enhance NFP implementation and financing.

Principal Investigators

• Venice Ng Williams, PhD, MPH, CHES, Assistant Professor at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Prevention Research Center for Family & Child Health
• Gregory Tung, PhD, MPH, Associate Professor at the Colorado School of Public Health 
• Mandy Allison, MD, MSPH, MA, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine and Pediatrician at Children’s Hospital Colorado

Methodology

The research team will use an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study, including a survey instrument, positive deviance approach and qualitative case studies.