Rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy in rural Cambodia: parental perceptions of family-centred practices

Abstract

Background. Rehabilitation service providers in Cambodia are increasingly adopting family-centred practices when working with children with cerebral palsy and their families. This study examined the perceptions of parents living in rural Cambodia regarding family-centred rehabilitation practices. Methods. This qualitative study used in-depth semi-structured individual and small group interviews with a convenience sample of 24 parents of children with cerebral palsy from three rural provinces. Participants were drawn from Cambodia Trust's client database and had been involved in a rehabilitation planning process which incorporated family-centred practices.Results. Twenty-four parents and carers of children with cerebral palsy aged 3–12 years were interviewed. Almost all parents valued family-centred practices in rehabilitation, with many of the needs and preferences of parents living in rural Cambodia similar to those of parents in Western contexts. Conclusions. Family-centred approaches to paediatric rehabilitation were found to be valued in and appropriate for a rural Cambodian context. Social and cultural mechanisms to be considered when adapting a Western, family-centred model of rehabilitation planning to the rural Cambodian context include the hierarchical nature of Cambodian culture, the emphasis on group relational patterns rather than individual needs and the context of chronic poverty.