From uncertainty to confidence: parental experiences of a parent-led, coaching-supported, home-based power mobility intervention for young children with cerebral palsy.

PURPOSE: To examine parental experiences over time in a parent-led, coaching-supported, home-based power mobility intervention for young children with cerebral palsy (CP), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Level IV-V.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A qualitative descriptive study was embedded within a larger non-concurrent, multiple-baseline, A-B-A single-subject study. Semi-structured parent interviews were conducted at baseline and study completion. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using a constant comparative approach to identify themes at each timepoint.

RESULTS

Twelve parent-child dyads participated in this study. Each parent completed two qualitative interviews (one per timepoint), resulting in a total of 24 interviews (12 at each timepoint). At each timepoint, unique themes emerged in the data. The themes at baseline were "Feasibility is About Fit," "Learning Preferences Vary," and "More Active Than They Realise" while the themes at the conclusion of the study were "Power Mobility Interventions Are Underutilised," "Collaborative Support Matters," and "Everyone Should Have Access to This.".

CONCLUSION

Parents described changes over time in how they understood power mobility, their role in supporting it, and its place within everyday family life. These findings suggest that introducing power mobility involves more than device access alone and highlight the importance of supporting families as they learn to incorporate power mobility into everyday routines and participation opportunities.