Fysioterapeuten (Oct 2021)
How to create holistic and coherent services for children with cerebral palsy during early childhood?
Abstract
Background and purpose: The study is based on the national motor follow-up program for children with cerebral palsy (CPOP) and the research register CPHAB, which included information about the child, their families, and the service provision during early childhood. The purpose was to explore parents' experiences with the provision of services in terms of how to create holistic and coherent services for children with CP during early childhood. Method: Focus group interviews with 10 parents. Their children were 5 boys and 5 girls, aged 2.5-5 years with different severity of CP. The data material was analyzed based on principles for reflective thematic analysis. Findings: Four themes shed light on the studied topic: 1) "Getting started early", 2) "Support and strengthen the family", 3) "Be at the forefront of development" and 4) "Reinforce learning of skills». Conclusion: Holistic and coherent services seem to imply early diagnosis and family-centered intervention, specialized interdisciplinary follow-up and periods of reinforced habilitation/training. Unintended differences in service provision indicate a need for national professional guidelines.
