Physiotherapists’ and mothers’ lived experiences of family-centred care for children with physical disabilities in Saudi Arabia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Jamal, Abeer 2023. Physiotherapists’ and mothers’ lived experiences of family-centred care for children with physical disabilities in Saudi Arabia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Introduction Family-centred care (FCC) is an approach for determining the best pediatric healthcare services for children and families. As families are an important part of a child's identity, healthcare providers must consider family dynamics, needs, and wishes when treating and supporting children. FCC has been explored worldwide; however, there is little knowledge about it in Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, this study examined the lived experiences of physiotherapists and mothers regarding FCC for children with physical disabilities in Saudi Arabia. Methodology Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was chosen to demonstrate how participants interpret a lived experience and make meaning of their personal and social reality. A face-to-face interview with open-ended questions was conducted with 8 participants (4 physiotherapists and 4 mothers of children with disabilities). Interviews were conducted in English and Arabic and lasted from 30 minutes to an hour and a half. A four-step analysis was carried out, following Smith et al. 's guidelines (2009). As IPA is idiographic, each interview was analysed individually, and then the process was repeated. To compare experiences, a cross-case analysis was done. Findings The mothers' and physiotherapists' experiences revealed five themes: ‘current status of FCC within Saudi Arabia’, ‘roles of care and family dynamics in Saudi’, ‘communication as the cornerstone to FCC’, ‘the provision of support’, and ‘culture as a barrier to father’s involvement’. FCC was unfamiliar to participants yet seen as different care. Saudi culture altered the division of caring roles, father engagement, and burden of care, which sometimes hindered family involvement and FCC provision. Communication, support, and information helped participants understand their children's conditions and rehabilitation, which improved their involvement in their children’s care. Conclusion The study has provided new knowledge and understanding of FCC. The principles of FCC aligned with the Islamic values of Saudi culture, where some were reflected in the physiotherapist's clinical practice, but they were not explicitly recognised under a particular concept. Participants' experiences were heavily influenced by Saudi culture, which affects FCC provision and requires customising FCC to meet Saudi families' needs.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Healthcare Sciences
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 December 2023
Last Modified:	04 Dec 2023 16:02
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/164506

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