Factors Associated with Physiotherapist-Caregiver Collaboration in Pediatric Rehabilitation A mothers’ Perspective : “When the Trust is Established, it is So Much Easier, it Forwards the Interaction”

Abstract

Pediatric physical therapists are called to cooperate and collaborate with caregivers of children in rehabilitation/therapy services. This collaboration is being studied in many professional fields of healthcare in pursuit of developing family-centered practices and concepts. Physiotherapy practice has adopted a family-centered premise but is lacking in research on the factors associated with guardian-therapist collaboration. This thesis delved into the current understanding of collaboration between parents and therapists in pediatric physical therapy settings with an objective to find and raise awareness of the factors influencing this collaboration.

The thesis incorporated qualitative research on parent perspectives and experiences regarding the factors influencing collaboration with pediatric physical therapists. Based on this research, the author presented a thematic analysis from an interview with a parent whose child is living with cerebral palsy.

The aim of this research was to unveil the contributing factors that influence collaboration between parents of children undergoing pediatric rehabilitation and their practicing physiotherapists. This study highlights the multifaceted nature of collaboration between physical therapists and parents in pediatric rehabilitation settings. The analysis of interview conducted with parent of children with cerebral palsy revealed the themes of trust, family-centeredness, and a pervasive theme on communication.

This study suggests that various aspects play a role in the collaboration between physical therapists and parents in pediatric rehabilitation. The findings of this thesis contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricacies of collaboration and the relationship between parents and physical therapists in pediatric rehabilitation settings, emphasizing that establishing trust, adopting family-centered conduct, and communication are at the core of pediatric rehabilitation and collaborative practice. The importance of articulating and documenting caregiver experiences, suggestions, and thoughts is evident, given that caregiver involvement and collaboration in the rehabilitation process are not only encouraged but also expected.