Parent advisory groups in pediatric practices: parents' and professionals' perceptions.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Community Health
• Family Support Systems

Background:

• Parent advisory groups (PAGs) are increasingly recognized for their potential to bridge the gap between families and healthcare providers.
• Establishing effective communication and collaboration is crucial for managing chronic health conditions in children.
• Understanding the perceived benefits of PAGs for both parents and professionals is essential for optimizing their impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the advantages of parent advisory group (PAG) participation as perceived by parents and healthcare professionals.
• To explore how PAGs influence the experiences of families navigating pediatric chronic care.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective telephone survey was conducted with parents of children with chronic health conditions.
• Participants were members of parent advisory groups (PAGs) established in four community-based pediatric practices.
• Parents and professionals rated the benefits of PAGs using a structured list of potential advantages.

Main Results:

• Parents reported reduced isolation, better understanding of family concerns, increased influence on pediatric care, and improved knowledge of community resources.
• Professionals noted enhanced awareness of family needs, improved collaboration skills, and a greater sense of effectiveness.
• A strong interest in continued PAG involvement was expressed by both parents and professionals.

Conclusions:

• Parent advisory groups (PAGs) foster collaborative relationships and communication between families and healthcare providers.
• PAGs enhance social support, increase knowledge of community resources, and bolster families' sense of efficacy in managing their child's care.
• The findings suggest that PAGs are a valuable tool for improving the care experience for children with chronic conditions and their families.