16th April 2025
In support of a new research project on developing an alcohol risk reduction pathway, we are delighted to share this Voices blog by Jayne Walker, Deputy Head of School for the joint Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Paramedical, Perioperative and Advanced Practice at the University of Hull.
Jayne Walker, Deputy Head of School for the joint Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Paramedical, Perioperative and Advanced Practice at the University of Hull
Title of Project: DeveloPing an Alcohol Risk rEduction pathway with pareNts and health visiTors (PARENT)
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can increase the risk of serious long-term consequences for children, including Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This condition can affect a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development, often resulting in lifelong challenges. National guidelines recommend that healthcare professionals discuss alcohol use with parents, yet there is limited research informing how these conversations could take place.
Our research (NIHR Research for Patient Benefit programme Grant Reference Number NIHR207127) is not just about providing solutions – it is about listening. Our aim is to explore what women, and their partners, want and expect when it comes to discussing alcohol, pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting, and what Health Visitors (HVs) think about delivering these conversations.
Why focus on health visitors?
While midwives primarily provide care during pregnancy and shortly after birth, HVs and their teams start to engage with parents antenatally and maintain contact with families up until the child enters school. This extended relationship means HVs are in a unique position to support parents in making informed choices about alcohol use, not only to reduce risk of alcohol-related harm to their own health but also to that of their current and any future children.
Our mixed-methods study will focus on:
- Understanding parental perspectives – What do parents want from alcohol-related discussions? When and how do they feel these conversations should happen?
- Exploring HVs’ views – What barriers do HVs face in raising the topic of alcohol with parents? What support or resources would help them feel more empowered to have a conversation about alcohol?
- Co-creating a care pathway – A structured, practical approach which ensures that alcohol-related discussions meet the needs of families in a way that HVs can deliver effectively.
Why This Matters
By gathering both parents’ and HVs’ perspectives, we aim to co-create a care pathway that is realistic, respectful, and practical. This research could:
- Help parents feel informed and supported rather than judged or pressured.
- Support HVs with the knowledge, resources, tools and confidence they need to have these important conversations.
- Lay the foundation for future prevention efforts, reducing alcohol-related harm to women, children and families.
This project is not just about changing practice, it’s about understanding what families want and how HVs can deliver it. By working together, we can create better, more effective ways to support families and protect future generations.
Stay tuned for updates as we progress!
And keep an eye out for a survey being sent out soon via email to health visitors to support us to understand how and what health visitors and their team members discuss in relation to alcohol with parents and their families during the five mandated visits as part of the National Healthy Child Programme.
Jayne Walker, Deputy Head of School for the joint Schools of Nursing and Midwifery and Paramedical, Perioperative and Advanced Practice at the University of Hull
This project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme (Grant Reference Number NIHR207127). The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
