Article

This study explores the pre-operative situation of children accepted for
multilevel surgery for cerebral palsy (CP) and their parents. METHODS: Eight
ambulatory children with varied severity of spastic CP and their parents were
included. Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were carried out separately
with the children and parents. RESULTS: Everyday life of the children and their
parents was vulnerable. The degree to which children strived for social
acceptance and normality increased their pain. Deteriorating physical capacity
resulted in pain and fatigue and was the parents' and children's main motivation
for the operation. Although the parents were ambivalent to the operation they
mediated hope and cautious optimism about a better life for their children.
CONCLUSION: Parents' and children's experiences imply the need for improvements
to ensure facilitation for disabled children in schools and all levels of the
health service, equality of communication and awareness-raising in the
pre-operative phase of multilevel surgery.

Langue : ANGLAIS