Graduation Year
2024
Document Type
Capstone Project
Project Type
Qualitative Study
Degree Name
Master of Science in Occupational Therapy
Program
Occupational Therapy
Program Chair
Gina Tucker-Roghi
Faculty Advisor
Laura Greiss Hess, PhD, OTR/L
Abstract
Background: Pediatric hemorrhagic stroke (PHS) impacts occupational functioning for children and families. PHS research has traditionally focused on medical/rehabilitation models specifically, the patient’s impairments. Little work has focused on occupational performance or child and family issues.
Purpose: This research examined lived experiences and occupational impact to family life post PHS. Research questions: (1) What are the lived experiences (including opportunities, barriers, and challenges) of families with children who have experienced PHS faced after the transition from acute care to life at home, school, and in the community? (2) How can an in-depth examination of these phenomena inform child/family-centered care in OT and further collaboration with interprofessional teams of professionals in partnership with families?
Design / Methods: Qualitative research with 30-60 minute semi-structured interviews. Participants were guardians of a child post PHS. Recruitment from UCSF Bugher Center of Excellence Hemorrhagic Stroke. Interviews recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Dedoose. Interviews focused on PHS occupational impacts in the contexts of home, school, and community. Current sample is 8 families.
Results, Conclusion & Implications for Occupational Therapy: Through the constant comparison method, five overarching family themes were revealed: (1) Family Dynamics, (2) Change in Child, (3) Community, (4) Unmet Needs and (5) Balance/Complexity. In addition to the five family themes there was a second set of Service themes: (1) Services - Supports, (2) Services - Barriers, (3) Social Determinants of Health, and (4) Health Literacy. Our research revealed that it is often societal stigma and lack of supportive services that negatively impact the child’s transition to their previous environments. Our research suggests that occupational therapists and interprofessional teams must be more active in addressing this stigma and the resulting community-based challenges of pediatric stroke survivors and their family and consider community based models beyond traditional medical and rehabilitation service delivery models.
IRB Number
11085
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Disability Studies Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Occupational Therapy Commons