Article

This study explored perspectives of therapist's role in care coordination between
early intervention (EI) and medical services, and identified strategies for
improving service delivery. Fifty adults participated in one of six focus groups.
Participants included parents, pediatricians, and therapists working in hospital
and EI programs. Structured guiding questions were used to obtain participants'
perceptions. Transcript analysis included open code identification, axial code
grouping, and constant comparative methods. The researchers established
inter-rater reliability (kappa = 0.85) in the coding scheme before data analysis.
The themes identified included information exchange, communication among parents
and therapists, approaches toward child and family care, supporting social and
emotional needs, perceptions of therapists' roles, and understanding service
delivery systems to improve care coordination. Participants recommended training
for therapy service providers and pediatricians in the areas of child
development, team building, and service systems. Family-centered strategies
emphasizing systems of care are recommended to improve therapists' role in care
coordination.

Langue : ANGLAIS