Perspectives of therapist's role in care coordination between medical and early intervention services

Phys Occup Ther Pediatr. 2010 Feb;30(1):28-42. doi: 10.3109/01942630903337478.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Communication
  • Community-Based Participatory Research
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Disabled Children / rehabilitation*
  • Early Intervention, Educational / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment*
  • Occupational Therapy / organization & administration*
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / organization & administration*
  • Professional Role
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Social Support
  • Speech Therapy / organization & administration*
  • United States