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A consumer approach to a paediatric assessment clinic
Insights
Parents of children with intellectual disabilities are increasingly involved in care decisions. A survey of 37 parents at a Johannesburg clinic revealed their needs and opinions, leading to service improvements and highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Child Health
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Intellectual Disability Services
Background:
- Historically, parents of children with intellectual disabilities received limited support post-diagnosis.
- Parental involvement in treatment evolved from professional training to a 'consumer model' by the late 1960s.
- The 'consumer model' empowers parents as key members of the care team, selecting programs aligned with their needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey parents' needs and opinions regarding services at the Assessment Clinic, Transvaal Memorial Institute for Child Health and Development.
- To gather data informing service improvements based on parental feedback.
- To assess the effectiveness of evolving parent-caregiver collaboration models.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted at the Assessment Clinic in Johannesburg.
- Thirty-seven parents of children with intellectual disabilities were interviewed.
- A structured questionnaire was utilized to gather data on parental needs and service reception.
Main Results:
- The survey identified specific parental needs and opinions on the clinic's services.
- Results informed subsequent changes and improvements implemented at the clinic.
- Parental feedback proved crucial in refining the care approach.
Conclusions:
- Parental involvement is vital in tailoring intellectual disability services.
- The 'consumer model' represents a significant advancement in care delivery.
- Continuous evaluation of services is essential for sustained quality improvement.
Abstract:
The past 20 years have witnessed a revolution in the treatment of mentally retarded children. Initially, parents received very little help after the diagnosis was made. Towards the end of the 1960s parents were trained in techniques devised by professionals. A new concept, called the 'consumer model', where parents form an important part of the caring team in selecting a programme best suited to their current needs, is at present developing. With this in mind a survey was carried out by the Assessment Clinic at the Transvaal Memorial Institute for Child Health and Development, Johannesburg, to ascertain parents' needs and their opinions of the service received at the clinic. Thirty-seven parents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results are discussed and the subsequent changes made at the clinic presented. The need for an ongoing evaluation of such a service is emphasized.