Effects of a Collaborative Intervention Process on Parent Empowerment and Child Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

Aims: To examine the effects of a four-step collaborative intervention process on parent and child outcomes and describe parents' and therapists' experiences. Methods: Eighteen children with physical disabilities, their mothers, and 16 physical therapists participated. Therapists randomized to the experimental group were instructed in the collaborative intervention process. All family-therapist dyads participated in six weekly sessions. Outcomes included the adapted Family Empowerment Scale (FES) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). A questionnaire was completed by parents and therapists to rate and describe their experiences. Results: Mean scores on the FES (p <.05) and COPM (p <.001) increased after intervention but there were no group differences (p >.05). Effect size for change in child performance (.73) and parent satisfaction (1.08) on the COPM favored the experimental group. Parents in the experimental group were more confident in carrying out activities during daily routines (p =.01) and worked together with therapists to a greater extent (p =.01) than parents in the comparison group. Therapists in the experimental group perceived that they provided information/instruction (p <.01) and worked together with parents (p =.02) to a greater extent than therapists in the comparison group. Conclusions: Findings support the importance of shared goal setting for children's activities. Further research is recommended.

KEYWORDS:

• Family-centered service
• family-professional collaboration
• goal-setting
• parent involvement
• pediatric rehabilitation

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

About the Authors

MiheeAn, PT, PhD was a doctoral candidate in Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University, at the time of the study. Robert J. Palisano, PT, ScD, FAPTA is Distinguished Professor and Lisa A. Chiarello, PT, PhD, PCS, FAPTA is Professor, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University. Chung-hwi Yi, PT, PhD is Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Wonju, Ganwon-do, South Korea. Carl J. Dunst, PhD is Director and Research Scientist, Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute, Asheville, NC. Edward J. Gracely, PhD is Associate Professor, College of Medicine, Department of Family, Community, and Preventive Medicine, Drexel University.