Tiny drivers, big decisions: parental perceptions and experiences of power mobility device trials for young children with cerebral palsy.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore parental perceptions and experiences at three timepoints [baseline (T0), post-intervention period 1 (T1), and post-intervention period 2 (T2)] across a 16-week study involving their children's use of two power mobility (PM) devices: an Explorer Mini (EM) and a modified ride-on car (mROC).

Materials and methods: Data for this phenomenological qualitative study were gathered as part of a multi-site randomized, counterbalanced AB crossover clinical trial, wherein all child participants used PM device A (EM) and PM device B (mROC) for eight weeks each. Trained researchers conducted in-person, audio-recorded semi-structured parental interviews at T0, T1, and T2. Data from each timepoint were individually analysed using the constant comparative method.

Results: Twenty-four child-parent participant dyads partook in the larger clinical trial. The parent participant within each dyad completed three qualitative interviews (one per timepoint), resulting in a total of 72 interviews (24 at each timepoint). At each timepoint, unique themes representing the parent participants' journey across the study emerged. Main themes were: T0 - "Anticipation", "Adjustment", and "Recognizing Strengths"; T1 - "Benefits and Barriers", "Expectations", and "Importance of Device Trials"; T2 - "One Size Doesn't Fit All, But All Are Worth Trying", "Environmental Affordances Enable Learning", and "Enabling Abilities and Participation".

Conclusion: This study provides insights into how parental perceptions about power mobility may shift over time, thereby assisting clinicians in implementing ON Time Mobility. The study further highlights how PM use can positively impact socialization and participation and how PM use may provide children with a mobile learning environment.