Children with Cerebral Palsy Across the Gross Motor Function Classification System Levels Requiring Orthopaedic...

Orthopaedic surgery is often recommended for children with cerebral palsy (CP) across all Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels. Despite this, little is known about the experience of parents during their child's surgery and recovery.

This topic was explored using a mixed-methods research design. Using an interpretive description methodology, in-depth interviews with parents of children with CP who had undergone orthopaedic surgery were completed by a physical therapist within an interdisciplinary clinical context in an acute care orthopaedic surgery clinic. Transcripts were reviewed by inductive thematic analysis. Resulting themes were used to inform the development of a self-administered survey, which was distributed to a separate cluster sample of parents.

From interviews with six parents, four themes were identified: (1) preparing and being prepared, (2) feeling known and recognized, (3) knowing and advocating for your child, and (4) feeling stressed and coping. The results of surveys completed by 25 parents were analyzed using descriptive statistics. When asked whether their child's surgery was a stressful experience, 80% (20/25) agreed. However, 60% (15/25) indicated that the surgery was not a negative experience. Forty-four percent (11/25) felt their child's recovery was longer than expected. Survey responses to questions related to the qualitative themes were similar across GMFCS levels and surgical procedures.

The findings identify the importance of recognizing the needs of parents and suggest opportunities for collaboration between the healthcare team and families in caring for children across the spectrum of functional mobility and orthopaedic procedures.