Mothers' perceptions of the introduction of a hoist into the family home of children with physical disabilities.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the perspectives of three mothers who used a hoist in the home to assist in the care of a child with a severe physical disability. It sought to identify the effects of hoist introduction on the family as well as factors which influence hoist usage.


METHODS
A qualitative methodology was used to analyse semi-structured interviews with three mothers of teenagers with a disability.


RESULTS
The findings from this study have highlighted the positive impact of hoist introduction on the parent and child's quality of life as a result of improved management of care, increased options for the child and increased respite for the parent.


CONCLUSIONS
Early positive outcomes of hoist use were influential in long-term hoist use and acceptance. The factors of consultation for acquisition of the hoist, early introduction to enable a gradual transition into regular use, appropriate fit in the home, sensitivity to grief and loss, and negotiation with parents about changes in care provision were all important in the introduction of the hoist. The importance of occupational therapists to advocate for early introduction of a hoist with in-depth consultation into the environmental impact prior to prescription, along with close monitoring of use once supplied are explored and implications for practice discussed.
Shepherd
Angela
A
School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, P.O. Box 2471, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia.
Stewart
Hugh
H
Murchland
Sonya
S
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012656:Self-Help Devices / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*