Perceptions of participation: Child patients with a disability in the doctor-parent-child partnership

Abstract

Objective: To explore how the doctor-parent-child partnership is experienced and if the child patient is considered a contributor. Methods: Qualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews with 33 participants (9 paediatricians, 14 parents, and 10 children aged 8-12 with cerebral palsy) from a paediatric teaching hospital in Victoria, Australia. Results: Children were reported to participate in the doctor-parent-child partnership. The child was not perceived to be an 'equal' or 'regular' partner as there were reports of variability in the involvement between children, as well as variability in the progressive involvement of each child. Three categories emerged in relation to the chil..