# Evaluating ‘Migrant Client in the Maternity and Child Health Clinic’ material usefulness in public health nursing work - Savonia AMK

> Thesis evaluates how ”Migrant Client in the Maternity and Child Health Clinic” material supported public nursing work.

## Background of the Maternity and Child Health Clinic
Finland’s 100-year-old maternity and child health clinic system is a key part of healthcare for pregnant women and children. While the focus has shifted from infectious disease prevention to a holistic approach emphasizing family well-being, healthcare professionals require clear tools and instructions to navigate the complexities of modern practice (Riihonen, Hakulinen, Tuomala, 2021).

## Challenges in Diverse Client Populations
Ensuring equitable care for diverse populations presents several challenges, including:
* Verifying service entitlements and fees.
* Reviewing vaccination history and screening for infectious diseases.
* Addressing potential trauma backgrounds.
* Navigating language barriers and the appropriate use of interpreters.

The growing number of foreign-language speakers necessitates timely and consistent practices to ensure effective communication and trust (Kaskela, 2017; The Lancet, 2022).

## Study Scope and Context
The thesis evaluated the “Migrant Client in the Maternity and Child Health Clinic” material implemented for public health nurses in the Western Uusimaa wellbeing services county (LUVN). LUVN serves approximately 470,000 residents, including over 89,000 foreign-language speakers, a population segment expected to grow significantly over the next 15 years (Strategy of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, 2025).

## Findings on Material Utility
Research indicates that well-structured materials reduce workload and stress while increasing professional confidence (Sarkkinen, 2021). The study found that the material helped nurses navigate complex administrative tasks, such as determining service rights and vaccination histories. Clear, visual materials also assist in building trust with clients who may find the Finnish service system unfamiliar (Medina, 2014).

## Areas for Improvement
Despite the benefits, the study identified several areas for development:
* **Usability:** Some professionals found the material difficult to read or visually unappealing.
* **Maintenance:** Links were found to be expired, and some staff were unaware of the material's existence.
* **Format:** There is a demand for a shorter "desktop version" of service rights information.
* **Accessibility:** A need exists for materials translated into the clients' native languages and brochures explaining clinic operations for distribution via partner organizations.
* **Training:** Professionals requested additional training in trauma-informed care, service rights, and client fees.

## Authors
* Maria Metzler, Master of Global Public Health, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
* Maria Luojus, Principal lecturer, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

## References
* Kaskela, A., 2017, Kulttuurisensitiivinen työote terveydenhoitajan työssä monikulttuuristen perheiden kanssa, Terveydenhoitajien näkökulmia monikulttuuriseen kohtaamiseen neuvolassa – Theseus
* Medina, J., 2014, Brain rules, BookBeat, audio book
* The Lancet, 2022, Migrants’ health and persisting barriers to accessing health-care systems, Migrants’ health and persisting barriers to accessing health-care systems – eClinicalMedicine
* Riihonen R., Hakulinen T., Luomala S., 2021, Terveiden lasten tarkastamista-mitä hyötyä neuvolapalveluista on, https://www.duodecimlehti.fi/duo16562
* Sarkkinen, M., 2021. Millainen on hyvä ohje? Kahdeksan vinkkiä ohjeiden tekemiseen työpaikalla | Työterveyslaitos
* Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County’s strategy, Länsi-Uudenmaan hyvinvointialueen strategia | Länsi-Uudenmaan hyvinvointialue
* Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County’s strategy, refered 23.2.2025, Länsi-Uudenmaan hyvinvointialueen strategia | Länsi-Uudenmaan hyvinvointialue