The impact of switching on family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to enhance our knowledge and understanding of switching, as assistive technology, and how it impacts on family caregivers of children with cerebral palsy with GMFCS levels four or five.


METHODS
A qualitative method using a constructivist approach was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit five caregivers to participants in this study. Framework analysis was applied to the data collection of semistructured interviews conducted with each caregiver.


RESULTS
The three main themes identified were an investment in the future, resulting in joy and hope. The learning process of switching is resource intensive, time consuming and effortful for caregivers. If caregivers do not perceive this as an investment, then they may not experience the joy switching can bring to their child, and in turn the joy, hope, and caregiver satisfaction it can offer for the future.


CONCLUSIONS
This research indicates that caregivers often have the greatest impact on whether switching will be adopted in the home. The greatest impact on caregivers is related to their perception on the competence of therapists and coordination of services provided.
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science, School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia. nicolson.amy@Gmail.com
Amy
A
Nicolson
Lois
L
Moir
Jeannine
J
Millsteed
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002547:Cerebral Palsy / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment