An audit of disabled children’s services – what value is MPOC-SP?

Abstract

Introduction:

Achieving high standards of health care provision with children and young people with a disability requires a focus on family-centered care. There are a range of tools available to audit this type of provision. The Measure of the Processes of Care for Service Providers (MPOC-SP) is a questionnaire, which enables evaluation of family-centered care. The aim of this study was to explore staff and parental experiences of family-centered care.

Method:

The study utilized a mixed methodology. Quantitative data was gathered from administration of the questionnaire with staff. A series of interviews and focus groups based around the themes from the questionnaire were also conducted with staff and parents of disabled children. The questionnaire data were analyzed with SPSS v.16 for descriptive statistics. Interview and focus group data were analyzed using a template and editing approach.

Results and conclusions:

The mean of ‘interpersonal sensitivity’ was 5.35 and ‘respect’ 5.74 compared to ‘providing general information’ 4.34 and ‘communicating’ 4.96. Staff commented on the value of the questionnaire as a self-reflective tool. The qualitative data provided deeper insight into this area of practice. The questionnaire alone would provide limited data as part of an audit of disabled children’s services.

Keywords::

• childhood
• disability
• measurement of family-centered care