Scaling Early Parenting Interventions: A Qualitative Investigation of Factors that Enable Successful Scaling of Early Parenting Interventions for Sustainable Implementation and Impact

Recent decades have seen emergence of numerous evidence-based early parenting interventions. To make an impact at a population level, they need to be delivered at scale. This study aimed to identify factors that enable successful scaling of early parenting interventions for sustainable implementation and impact. Participants were 22 individuals from the United States of America, Australia, Korea and the Netherlands, all who had experience in the development, implementation dissemination and/or scaling of early parenting interventions. Participants completed in-depth interviews about their experiences or observations of scaling early parenting intervention, and enablers and barriers to successful scaling. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results revealed six key themes: (1) adopting a business mindset, including sustainable funding and governance models; (2) securing multi-level stakeholder buy-in, from clinicians to policymakers; (3) implementing flexible, context-sensitive models that support fidelity and adaptation; (4) ensuring intervention quality, including evidence-based design and cultural relevance; (5) assembling multidisciplinary teams with the necessary expertise and leadership; and (6) time and planning. Results suggest that scaling early parenting interventions is a dynamic, non-linear process that can take considerable time and planning. Scaled interventions need to be evidence-based and culturally relevant, but there also needs be a sound business model, widespread stakeholder involvement, and strong leadership. Sensitivity and flexibility to meet the needs of local contexts are also vital. Taken together, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers, funders, and practitioners seeking to expand the reach and impact of early parenting interventions within diverse service systems.