Families' experience of a single session therapy framework in advanced allied health practice for children with neurodevelopmental and behavioural disabilities: A thematic analysis of qualitative data

Julie Creen; Ann Kennedy-Behr; Rebecca Donkin; Michele Verdonck

doi:10.1002/anzf.1538

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Families' experience of a single session therapy framework in advanced allied health practice for children with neurodevelopmental and behavioural disabilities: A thematic analysis of qualitative data

Journal article

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Peer reviewed

Families' experience of a single session therapy framework in advanced allied health practice for children with neurodevelopmental and behavioural disabilities: A thematic analysis of qualitative data

Julie Creen, Ann Kennedy-Behr, Rebecca Donkin and Michele Verdonck

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, Vol.44(3), pp.313-327

2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anzf.1538

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

behaviour

child

neurodevelopment

occupational therapy

Psychology

single session therapy

UniSC Diversity Area - Disability and Inclusion

UniSC Diversity Area - Life Stages

Single session therapy (SST) has emerging evidence for facilitating meaningful therapeutic change in a small number of consults, rather than more traditional long-term therapies. This study aimed to explore and describe the parent/caregiver and child experience with advanced allied health practitioners (AAHP) using SST for children with developmental disabilities, by understanding key characteristics of the consultation that led to therapeutic change. Eligible families attending an AAHP outpatient clinic for children with developmental and behavioural concerns participated in one to four SST consultations around their identified areas of need. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 parents and 12 children, from 37 different families. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews. Demographic information was gathered through parent interviews and by reviewing hospital records. Four key themes emerged relating to the characteristics of the consultation that led to a positive experience for families: (1) the art of mutual presence; (2) the value of time; (3) the power of understanding; and (4) the trust of action. These attributes were influenced by the overarching complexities of the AAHP, the parent's and child's interpersonal skills, and the organisational mechanisms influencing patient care. Parents and children reported clinical change during the consult through increased understanding, and being heard, valued, and respected for their individual decisions on how to manage their child's and family's needs. This study provides preliminary evidence that utilising SST for children and families with developmental and behavioural needs facilitates a positive experience valued by families. SST, with a focus on a family's individual identified areas of concern, was valued and effective when delivered by AAHP. This suggests that SST, when appropriately administered by experienced and trained health practitioners, is useful for families dealing with children with developmental and behavioural challenges.

Details

Title: Families' experience of a single session therapy framework in advanced allied health practice for children with neurodevelopmental and behavioural disabilities: A thematic analysis of qualitative data
Authors: Julie Creen (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Ann Kennedy-Behr (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Sports & Exercise Science
Rebecca Donkin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Biomedicine
Michele Verdonck (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Occupational Therapy
Publication details: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, Vol.44(3), pp.313-327
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Date published: 2023
DOI: 10.1002/anzf.1538
ISSN: 1467-8438; 0814-723X
Copyright note: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.© 2023 The Authors. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT).
Grant note: Allied Health Professionals Office of Queensland
Organisation Unit: School of Health - Biomedicine; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Occupational Therapy; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99731498802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Family Studies

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