Parents' Perception of Receiving Family-Centered Care for Their Children with Physical Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT

Aims: Understanding parent perceptions of family-centered care (FCC) is important to improve processes and outcomes of children's services. Objective: A systematic review and meta-analysis of research on the Measures of Processes of Care (MPOC-20) were performed to determine the extent parents of children with physical disabilities perceive they received FCC. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using four databases. A total of 129 studies were retrieved; 15 met the criteria for the synthesis. Meta-analysis involving 2,582 mothers and fathers of children with physical disabilities mainly cerebral palsy was conducted for the five scales of the MPOC-20. Results: Aggregated mean ratings varied from 5.0 to 5.5 for Providing Specific Information about the Child; Coordinated and Comprehensive Care; and Respectful and Supportive Care (relational behaviors) and Enabling and Partnership (participatory behaviors) indicating that, on average, parents rated FCC as having been provided to “a fairly great extent.” The aggregated mean rating was 4.1 for Providing General Information, indicating FCC was provided “to a moderate extent.” Conclusions: Service providers are encouraged to focus on child and family needs for general information. Research is needed to better understand parent perspectives of service provider participatory behaviors which are important for engaging families in intervention processes.

KEYWORDS:

• Children with physical disabilities
• family-centered care
• measure of processes of care (MPOC-20)
• meta-analysis
• systematic review

Declaration of Interest

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

About the Authors

Nihad A. Almasri, PT, PhD is an Associate Professor in Physiotherapy Department and the Dean of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences in The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Mihee An, PT, PhD is currently a postdoctoral research associate, Department of Physical Therapy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA.

Robert Palisano, PT, ScD, FAPTA is Associate Dean for Research and Distinguished Professor in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.