A family-centred model of care in paediatric speech-language pathology

Abstract

Developments in paediatric models of care support family-centred practice (FCP); however, there is limited evidence for its use in speech-language pathology. This randomized controlled study examined whether parent satisfaction with FCP (n = 10) was greater than with usual practice (UP; n = 10) over 14 weeks for children with mild–moderate speech and/or language disorders. The FCP included parental goal decision-making; greater parent responsibility for clinic therapy tasks; and two home visits. There was a non-significant trend for the FCP group to have a higher mean score for the “Providing specific information” scale of the Measures of Process of Care. Goals for the FCP and UP groups were respectively targeted towards the Activities and Participation or the Body Function components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health–Children and Youth. While there were no significant differences between groups for speech/language outcomes post-intervention; it is clinically interesting that more children in the FCP group improved on the Renfrew Action Picture Test than the UP group. This study did not demonstrate a significant benefit for FCP over a relatively short timeframe in a small sample of children. Further research is warranted to determine if there is evidence for the use of FCP in speech-language pathology.

Keywords::

• Paediatric
• speech-language pathology
• family
• parent
• intervention

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Laura Voigt and Janae Olden, speech-language pathologists at Ballarat Health Services, who provided the UP intervention or performed the assessments in this study. One of the researchers, Kate McKean, was the recipient of the 2009 Nadia Verrall Memorial Research Grant from Speech Pathology Australia which supported this study. Additional funding support was provided by the speech-language pathology department at Ballarat Health Services. Parts of this study were presented at the 2010 Speech Pathology Australia National Conference in Melbourne, Australia.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.