Looking after a child in a hip spica cast following treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip from the perspective of the parent: A constructivist grounded theory

Alabdulrazzaq, Sultanah 2024. Looking after a child in a hip spica cast following treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip from the perspective of the parent: A constructivist grounded theory. MPhil Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Background Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition in children. Its management involves a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods, with the treatment approach determined by the timing of the diagnosis. Delayed diagnoses often require more invasive surgical procedures and the application of a spica cast. The spica cast's primary goal is to maintain femoral head abduction within the hip joint's acetabulum. The child remains in the cast for 6–12 weeks and is cared for at home by the family (International Hip Dysplasia Institute 2014). Spica cast experience for DDH in childhood is a multifaceted occurrence and the responses to the immobilisation period cannot be simply attributed to the nature of the disease symptoms or treatment alone. It is essential to identify various concerns, including those pertaining to the potential emotional impact of DDH treatment on the child and the fear of its impact on their growth and development. Moreover, these responses are influenced and shaped by context. Purpose To generate a theoretical understanding of the experience of looking after a child in a spica cast from the parents' perspective. Methods Constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz 2006) was chosen as the research methodology. Data were obtained from a DDH charity's Facebook parent group platform. The data collection process involved gathering posts and conducting semistructured interviews. The collected data underwent rigorous analysis using coding stages to explore the challenges and responses related to "being in a spica cast." Findings Caring for a child in a spica cast is influenced by specific contexts, shaping parents' unique experiences. The findings from the data analysis revealed three main issues: 1. The phenomenon of being in a spica cast which highlighted the challenges faced by parents in managing their child's condition while in the cast. III 2. Changes that occurred in the child, emphasising the impact of the spica cast on the child's well-being and daily life. 3. The daily family routine which delved into the complexities and disruptions experienced by the family while caring for the child in the spica cast. The challenges of parenting while managing the spica cast are particularly arduous, encompassing both practical and emotional aspects. Respondents expressed facing difficulties due to insufficient understanding and inconsistent guidance, leading them to rely heavily on health professionals for information and support. However, they also expressed frustration at the variability in the management of DDH. Parents have a diverse set of needs, including informational and supportive needs, as well as practical, emotional and social needs. Ultimately, looking after a child in a spica cast is a dynamic experience and the results are interrelated and complex. Conclusions In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight into the lived experience of parents caring for a child with DDH and a spica cast. The responsibility of caregiving significantly affects both the child and the entire family. By exploring various contributing factors, this research has developed a conceptual framework to better comprehend the complexities of this experience. Support from different sources emerged as a crucial element in managing the challenges, with healthcare provider support playing a vital role. The study underscores that caring for a child at this stage involves daily responsibilities encompassing social, behavioural and physical care. Unfortunately, these circumstances can lead to emotional difficulties and hinder the child's overall well-being during the cast immobilisation period. It is essential for health professionals to support parents and consistently educate them to better understand the complex nature of DDH management. By doing so, they can significantly help to improve the overall well-being of both the child and the family in this challenging situation

Item Type:	Thesis (MPhil)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 May 2025
Last Modified:	30 May 2025 14:46
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/178602

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