A pilot study to explore parental experiences of “Family Centred Care”

It has been suggested that the service provision to families with disabled children and young people should be family centred. Family centred care has been defined as a philosophy of care where families are supported in their decision-making roles in an equal partnership with professionals, ensuring optimal quality of healthcare for their disabled child. A series of interviews with 9 parents of disabled children exploring the following staff behaviuors: showing interpersonal sensitivity, providing general information, communicating specific information and treating people respectfully. Parents reported alot of helpful attributes in staff behaviuors whilst also recommneding some changes. On the whole parents felt supported in their decision making roles. Some parents had the added value of a 'key worker'. Staff working from different perspectives on the team led to the suggestion to improve communication. Foster parents identified specific issues that require further exploration. Further staff training could raise awareness and improve the communication within the team