Early parental experiences of obstetric brachial plexus palsy.
Early parental experiences of having a child with obstetric brachial plexus palsy were examined to determine whether there were any areas of dissatisfaction and, if so, whether these resulted from their distress and a need to blame someone, or from problems in the communication of bad news. A high level of dissatisfaction was reported with similar levels of dissatisfaction found in a mildly injured group that did not require surgery, and a severely injured group that did. This suggests either that degree of dissatisfaction is not related to degree of disability, or that dissatisfaction was due to factors other than a reaction to their child having a problem. Support was found for the latter as the parents reported details of problems in communication, particularly the giving of inaccurate and misleading information.
Bellew
M
M
Department of Plastic Surgery, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK. maggie.bellow@leedsth.nhs.uk
Kay
S P
SP
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010246:Paralysis, Obstetric / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom