Physiotherapia Croatica, Vol. 22 No. 1, 2024.
Original scientific paper
Parents of children with developmental disabilities and physiotherapy: attitudes, opinions and experiences
Manuela Pines
; Zavod za fizikalnu i rehabilitacijsku medicinu, Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Rijeka, Hrvatska
Abstract
Introduction: Family-centered care is the foundation of
pediatric physical therapy. The concept implies that the
family plays a crucial role in preserving its members’
health and well-being. The family is empowered to fully
participate in the assessment, planning, and delivery
of healthcare services. The physiotherapist’s services
are being provided to not only a disabled child, but
also to his parents and extended family. The family’s
presence during the procedure decreases the level of
anxiety in both the child and parents, which enhances
the effectiveness of the therapy itself. In addition, the
parents’ self-assurance in their parenting improves the
family climate.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine how parents
of children with neurorisk and developmental difficulties
perceive pediatric physiotherapy. Furthermore, the goal
is to determine the differences in attitudes and opinions
between parents according to their age.
Materials and methods: The research included
321 parents, and the data was collected through a
questionnaire.
Results: The study revealed that parents share the
belief that physiotherapy procedures have a positive
impact on their child’s motor development. The obtained
results indicate that there is no statistically significant
difference in the attitudes and opinions of parents
regarding their age (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Parents of children with neurodevelopmental
difficulties generally have positive attitudes towards
pediatric physiotherapy, as shown by the research
results. According to respondents, physiotherapy
procedures have a beneficial effect on their child’s motor
development and quality of life. The results mentioned
are consistent regardless of the age of the parents. The
results obtained indicate an opportunity for investing in
this field of physiotherapy, but also a need to enhance
the role of physiotherapists in the pediatric population.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
317839
URI
Publication date:
20.5.2024.
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