Family perceptions of facilitators and inhibitors of effective school-based dysphagia management.
OBJECTIVE
This qualitative study focused on the perceptions of family members of children with dysphagia by asking what the family-identified factors are that facilitate or inhibit effective school-based management of pediatric dysphagia.


METHODS
Semistructured interviews of 7 family members of 6 children with dysphagia, ages 2 through 11 years, were conducted. Collective case study and cross-case analyses were conducted. The findings were confirmed through triangulation, respondent validation, and member checking.


RESULTS
Interviewees identified 5 facilitating factors that enhance school-based dysphagia programs: (a) setting, (b) therapist and/or program, (c) capitalizing on positive child characteristics, (d) home-school interactions, and (e) external supports. Four factors that inhibit effectiveness also emerged: (a) setting, (b) therapist and/or program, (c) limiting child characteristics, and (d) home-school interactions.


CONCLUSIONS
Practitioners may consider addressing the factors that were identified as facilitators of effective programs. More research is needed concerning (a) factors promoting effective parent-professional relationships, (b) methods for increasing professional preparation in pediatric dysphagia, and (c) the efficacy of school-based pediatric dysphagia management programs.
Angell
Maureen E
ME
Department of Special Education, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-5910, USA. meangel@ilstu.edu
Bailey
Rita L
RL
Stoner
Julia B
JB
D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012932:Social Facilitation; D012938:Social Perception; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000379:methods*