Comparing three coaching approaches in pediatric rehabilitation : contexts, mechanisms and outcomes

Objectives • Contrast unpinning theory and key processes of “Coping with and Caring for Infants with special Needs” (COPCA), “Occupational Performance Coaching” (OPC) and “Solution-Focused Coaching in Pediatric Rehabilitation“ (SFC-peds), which are coaching approaches used in family-centered pediatric rehabilitation • Discuss the evidence for key outcomes of coaching in relation to the goal achievement, engagement and capacity building of children, parents and families • Explore common misperceptions of coaching in relation to pediatric family-centered interventions and practices • Provide key messages regarding effective coaching approaches Summary: Coaching is en vogue in pediatric rehabilitation. However, coaching is not a single uniform method: different approaches with different assumptions exist and the role of the coach is interpreted in variable ways. Research on three conceptually distinct and practically grounded approaches, namely OPC, SFC-peds and COPCA, indicates that coaching can be a valuable type of intervention leading to empowerment and capacity building in families. Outline of the symposium • Schirin Akhbari Ziegler (PT, Switzerland): COPCA; theoretical background and translation into practice (15 minutes) • Fiona Graham (OT, New Zealand): OPC; approach to goal setting, Collaborative Performance Analyzes (15 minutes) • Gillian King (Canada): SFC-peds; conceptual background, key features and summary of evidence (15 minutes) • Schirin Akhbari Ziegler (Moderator): Facilitated discussion and close (45 minutes