Effects of a Family-Centered Teaching Model on Occupational Therapy Interns' Perceptions and Children's Occupational...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Therapy
• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Family-Centered Care

Background:

• Traditional occupational therapy training may not fully prepare interns for family-centered practice.
• Effective collaboration with caregivers is crucial for pediatric occupational therapy interventions.
• Developing interns' skills in family-centered approaches is essential for improving child outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of a family-centered teaching (FACT) model versus a conventional approach in occupational therapy internships.
• To evaluate the impact of the FACT model on interns' perceptions of family-centered behaviors.
• To assess the influence of the FACT model on children's occupational performance.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design with 49 interns, 44 caregivers, and 45 children (under 6) with disabilities.
• The FACT model included didactic lessons and hands-on practice to enhance intern competencies.
• Interns' family-centered behaviors were measured using the Chinese Measure of Processes of Care-Service Provider (C-MPOC-SP); children's performance was rated using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

Main Results:

• Interns trained with the FACT model showed significant improvements in interpersonal sensitivity and respectful treatment (C-MPOC-SP).
• Caregivers reported significant improvements in children's occupational performance for those whose interns used the FACT model.
• Caregiver satisfaction with performance did not significantly differ between groups.

Conclusions:

• The FACT model effectively enhanced occupational therapy interns' perceptions of family-centeredness.
• Implementing the FACT model led to measurable improvements in children's occupational performance.
• The FACT model shows promise for improving pediatric occupational therapy training and outcomes.