Exploring the Family-Centeredness of Pediatric Rehabilitation Services in Saudi Arabia

Family-centered services (FCS) are essential in pediatric rehabilitation to improve outcomes for children with disabilities. Despite global recognition, parents' perceptions of FCS in Saudi Arabia remain underexplored. This study aimed to examine parents' perceptions of FCS in pediatric rehabilitation and the relationships between parental perceptions and demographic and clinical factors.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among parents of children with disabilities receiving pediatric rehabilitation services in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using the Arabic version of the Measure of Processes of Care-20. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation analyses were used to explore associations between FCS domains and demographic and clinical factors.

Parents reported moderate to high levels of FCS, with the highest scores in Respectful and Supportive Care (m = 6.34), Coordinated and Comprehensive Care (m = 6.13), and Enabling and Partnership (m = 6.11). Lower scores were observed in Providing General Information (m = 4.93) and Providing Specific Information about the Child (m = 4.84). Significant correlations were found between child diagnosis and information provision and between the number of services and parents' perceptions of care.

Parents' perceptions FCS to be practiced at a moderate to high level; however, gaps in information sharing remain.