Optimise EI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimising Parent Engagement with Early Intervention Physical Therapy for Their Infants at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy – A Participatory Study for Theory and Action
IRAS ID
245735
Contact name
Phillip Harniess
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2018/11/78 , UCL Data Protection Project Registration no.
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 3 days
Research summary
Being born early or having other problems at birth can cause injury to a baby’s brain and lead to development of a life-long disability, called cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy affects movement, sensation and learning. For these babies, starting physical therapy as early as possible can provide the best conditions for their brain’s ability to adapt to the injury and help them to fulfill their potential.
Early physical therapy relies on therapists and parents working closely together. The best outcomes are achieved when parents are able to incorporate ‘therapy’ into everyday routine and create stimulating environments for their babies. However, this can be a stressful and difficult time for parents for multiple reasons. Finding the best approach in these circumstances is challenging.
Unfortunately, there is little research specifically asking parents what they feel encourages or discourages their involvement with physical therapy for their baby soon after birth. Finding the best ways to empower parents to be equal partners in therapy will help achieve this.
Aim:
To understand what parents feel is important relating to their involvement in early physical therapy for their babies at high risk of developing cerebral palsy, and provide practical recommendations.
This will be achieved by:
1. Exploring through detailed interviews (up to 20), what parents think helps or hinders their involvement in their baby’s physical therapy.
2. Reviewing how parents take part in therapy sessions and how therapists can work with parents to support this over time. Three parent and therapist pairs will be followed over a 6 month period, with video recording of therapy sessions at two time points. After each recorded session, interviews with parents and therapists will be undertaken, using video clips to prompt discussion.
3. Using the findings to design, with parents and therapists, recommendations of an approach that offers the best level of involvement from families in early physical therapy.REC name
London - Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0298
Date of REC Opinion
11 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion