Evaluation of the project "beni" ("beni"evaluation)

The “beni” project run by peribass focuses on families in the early stages of life and addresses a gap in psychosocial support in Switzerland relating to pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Scientific findings show that stress during the perinatal phase has long-term effects on children's health and development and that early access to tailored, low-threshold support is particularly effective. Nevertheless, there is still no systematic recording of psychosocial stress factors during the peripartum period in Switzerland, which makes it difficult for families with increased support needs in particular to access existing services.

“beni” – an acronym for that reflects the German words surveying, consulting, supporting, parents, newborns, information, and interaction – was developed to specifically close this gap in the Winterthur area. The project combines a scientifically based digital self-assessment (via the “beni app” using the validated KINDEX questionnaire) with an independent, free and accessible “beni contact point”. The aim is to identify psychosocial stress at an early stage, provide individual relief for families and break down barriers to accessing support services. Support ranges from pregnancy to kindergarten entry and is provided anonymously, in compliance with data protection regulations, in multiple languages and without mandatory app use.

Together with research partners at ZHAW, a service blueprint was developed in advance to visualise processes, interfaces and the user perspective, and to systematically link the service offering with existing healthcare and early intervention structures. Initial experience shows the benefits for both families and professionals, who are relieved by the possibility of referral to the contact point for support with psychosocial or financial issues. At the same time, it is clear that the referral process and the use and recommendation of the app have not yet been comprehensively investigated. The evaluation offers the opportunity to highlight the effectiveness of “beni” and identify potential for further development.

Against this background, the planned evaluation aims to systematically examine the central processes and contextual factors involved in the implementation of the “beni” project. Based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), inhibiting and promoting conditions will be identified and practical recommendations for the further development of the service will be developed. The evaluation is multi-stage and will initially focus on the perspectives of specialists. In a further step, it can be supplemented by the views of families and employees of the contact point, provided that the relevant consent has been obtained.