An exploration of the factors that influence the use of child-centred outcome measures in occupational therapy: An action-based research study in Malta

Mizzi, Theresien 2024. An exploration of the factors that influence the use of child-centred outcome measures in occupational therapy: An action-based research study in Malta. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background/Introduction: A child-centred approach is key to upholding children's rights. The concept of child-centredness is embedded in client-centred practice - an essential component of the professional identity of occupational therapy (OT). In paediatric OT services, children’s voices tend to be smothered by adult-driven priorities as children’s intervention goals most commonly focus on issues identified by the parents, rather than the child. However, research has shown that parents and children often have different goals, necessitating a shift to a more authentic child-centred approach. Occupational therapists can consciously strive to listen to children’s voices and enable their active engagement through the use of child-centred outcome measures. This research sought to identify and explore factors that facilitate and/or inhibit a measurable, child-centred OT practice in Malta. Methodology: This study used a participatory action research design. All the paediatric occupational therapists (n=20), working in the Maltese public health service at the time of the study, were selected through purposive sampling and participated in this research. Data were collected through eight action research meetings, characterised by ongoing cycles of discussions and reflections, and underwent reflexive thematic analysis. Findings/Discussion: This study has revealed that determining who the client is poses the most significant challenge faced by paediatric occupational therapists. Besides the child, parents and significant others need to be involved, making the practice of child-centredness or client-centredness a complex one. A fundamental gap between rhetoric and reality was exposed. This study highlighted various factors leading to a measurable child-centred service. Moreover, some child-centred outcome measures, applicable for Maltese paediatric OT service, were identified. Conclusion/Implications: These findings will facilitate the active involvement of children in all aspects of the therapeutic process, including outcome measurement. Such tools will target the child’s perspective to measure outcomes of OT intervention, thus potentially shifting the current service to a more child-centred and client-centred one.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	29 November 2024
Last Modified:	29 Nov 2024 11:48
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/174396

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