Perceptions of the caregiver-pediatric physical therapist relationship1

Collaboration between physical therapists and caregivers of children who receive physical therapy is integral to providing family-centered care. Successful collaboration depends upon the therapeutic relationship built within the caregiver-therapist dyad. However, the nature of these relationships is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the caregiver-pediatric physical therapist relationship from the perspectives of the caregiver and pediatric physical therapist.

A qualitative multiple case study methodology was used; a caregiver and pediatric physical therapist represented a bounded case. Each caregiver and therapist engaged in separate, semi-structured, in-depth interviews.

Through within- and cross-case coding, three themes were identified: physical therapist as a guide, the caregiver-pediatric physical therapist connection, and professional qualities and performance.

These themes help to provide an understanding of the therapeutic relationships that can occur between caregivers and pediatric physical therapists, which can help support effective collaboration as part of providing family-centered care.