Overview
This lecture covers family-centered care in pediatric physical therapy, emphasizing its principles, practical implementation across settings, and the importance of family involvement for optimal patient outcomes.
Principles of Family-Centered Care
- Family-centered care is a partnership with families to address medical and psychosocial needs of pediatric patients.
- Parents are considered experts in their child's needs, abilities, and communication styles.
- Key focuses include collaboration, communication, education, consideration of family context, cultural values, and institutional policies.
Implementation in Clinical Practice
- Collaboration between healthcare providers and families enhances patient care and outcomes.
- Institutional policies should support family presence and communication, even during restrictions like the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Clear policies and resources for communication and essential item delivery are critical.
- Barriers such as language or technology access must be considered and addressed.
Family-Centered Care in Intensive Care
- Promote parent involvement in care tasks (feeding, diaper changing, comforting during procedures).
- Parent presence reduces anxiety and increases safety and control for both parents and patients.
- Sibling education and involvement are important, especially in stressful or traumatic situations.
- Family-centred rounding and conferences with the care team provide clarity and support to families.
Application in Outpatient and Early Intervention Settings
- Outpatient pediatric therapy is more effective with family-centered approaches, incorporating family and child goals.
- Recreation and play should be integrated into therapy to support child development.
- Early intervention services (IDEA Part C) use interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to care.
- Coaching supports family involvement, respects strengths, and aids skill development in natural settings.
- Therapists assist families with transitions to school-based services (IDEA Part B).
Family-Centered Care in Palliative Approaches
- Palliative care includes supporting family-driven short and long-term goals for the child.
- Understanding the desired level of information sharing with the child is essential.
- Therapists should have sensitive discussions with families about goals, especially near end-of-life care.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Family-Centered Care — A healthcare approach focusing on partnerships between families and professionals to address all aspects of a patient's well-being.
- IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) — A federal law ensuring services for children with disabilities; Part C covers early intervention, Part B covers school services.
- Transdisciplinary Approach — Professionals share roles and collaborate to provide holistic care.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on components of family-centered care and how to apply them in practice.
- Prepare for the next session on additional pediatric physical therapy topics.