Perceived Impacts of Solution-Focused Coaching Training for Pediatric Rehabilitation Practitioners: A Qualitative Evaluation

Abstract

Aims

This qualitative evaluation study assessed perceived impacts of a solution-focused coaching (SFC) training rolled out in a Canadian pediatric rehabilitation hospital from the perspective of clinical service providers.

Methods

Thirteen clinical service providers were interviewed six months after receiving 2-day SFC training. Participants retrospectively described perceived impacts of the training and benefits and challenges pertinent to the implementation of the SFC approach. Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically.

Results

SFC training was considered making a valuable addition to participants’ toolbox, increasing their confidence in developing positive therapeutic alliance with clients, and enhancing their strengths-based orientation. The training was also seen improving team cohesion and promoting collaborative solution-finding among team members. Structural barriers such as time constraints, lack of continuous organizational support and clear expectations around the use of the SFC approach were reported as factors impeding effective clinical adaptation. The need for tailoring the SFC approach to unique service contexts was also reported.

Conclusions

Future SFC training initiatives should integrate a team-based approach and a culturally sensitive lens to help providers better assist clients in identifying their unique strengths. Follow-up training and continuous organizational support mechanisms will be vital for facilitating sustainable implementation after the initial training.

Keywords:

• Solution-focused coaching
• pediatric rehabilitation
• provider training
• professional development
• family-centred care

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to the participating service providers for their time and valuable input.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s Transitions Strategy. Gillian King was also supported by the Canada Research Chair in Optimal Care for Children with Disabilities (Tier 1), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. This chair is supported by matching funds from the Kimel Family Opportunities Fund through the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Yukari Seko

Yukari Seko is an Assistant Professor of Ryerson University, School of Professional Communication, whose program of research spans arts, humanities, social sciences and health. As a critical communication and culture scholar by training, she uses a multimodal storytelling approach to disrupt normative discourses of health, illness and dis/ability. Her research interests include narratives of mental illness and disabilities, solution-focused communication, digital health, and arts- informed methods. One of her programs of research encompasses subjective experiences of disabled youth and their families transitioning to adulthood.

Gillian King

Gillian King is a Distinguished Senior Scientist (Bloorview Research Institute), Professor in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (University of Toronto), and Canada Research Chair in Optimal Care for Children with Disabilities (Tier 1). Her research interests include the participation of children with disabilities, youth transitions, client and parent wellness, and client engagement. Her current research focuses on developing measures of engagement in therapy; the key elements and processes underlying the effectiveness of youth transition programs; mental health and the participation of children and youth with disabilities; and the role of resiliency in rehabilitation service delivery.

Sarah Keenan

Sarah Keenan is the Organization Development and Learning Consultant at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. Sarah collaborates with management and decision makers to identify, implement, and support effective organization development interventions. At the time of this study, she worked as a life skills coach, solution-focused coach, and clinical team investigator in the Bloorview Research Institute. Sarah's research interests include solution-focused coaching, youth transitions, and friendship-based interventions for youth with disabilities.

Joanne Maxwell

Joanne Maxwell is Senior Director, Collaborative Practice at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, overseeing the professional and interprofessional practice of the health disciplines. Joanne has a clinical background in Occupational Therapy, is a certified Project Management Professional, and Prosci Change Practitioner, and is actively involved in clinical research in healthcare transitions, solutions focused coaching, and the impact of healthcare portals on client engagement and clinician documentation practices. Joanne is a PhD student in the Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, and has a status appointment as an Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.

Anna Oh

Anna Oh is a Research Coordinator for the Transitions Strategy at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She holds a Master of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology from Boston University. Anna coordinates studies investigating models of service delivery and capacities contributing to optimal transitions to adulthood for youth with disabilities and their families.

C. J. Curran

C.J. Curran is the Director, Programs and Services at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. As a member of the leadership team, she is currently responsible for leading a multi-million dollar systems wide transitions strategy that supports and integrates consistent transition best practices from adolescence to adulthood. CJ has demonstrated ability in uniting stakeholders through shared vision and intentional purpose. CJ is inspired by people and opportunities that embrace the spirit of inquiry and challenge the status quo.