Inpatient care of children with cerebral palsy as perceived by their parents

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have special health care needs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the inpatient care of children with CP, as perceived by their parents. METHODS: Forty parents of children with CP and 90 parents of able-bodied children completed a questionnaire designed to evaluate their perception of their child's hospital admission, including the care provided. The parents also completed the Perceived Stress Scale. RESULTS: Overall, parents of able-bodied children were more satisfied with the hospitalization than parents of children with CP (P < 0.0001). Significant differences were found in four of the five areas assessed: the admissions process (P = 0.0002..