A service evaluation of an advanced paediatric physiotherapy clinic for premature babies discharged from special care baby unit ( SCBU ), exploring parents ’ experiences of developmental support
Background to study
Methdology
Findings
Article # 7
Title : A service evaluation of an advanced paediatric physiotherapy clinic for premature babies discharged from special care baby unit ( SCBU ), exploring parents ’ experiences of developmental support
Author : Neil Gokani
Sirona Care & Health Bristol Previously Wye Valley NHS Trust
DOI : https :// doi . org / 10.21252 / 297n-4j75
This work was first printed in APCP Journal : N . Gokani / APCP Journal Volume 10 Number 1 ( 2019 )
A service evaluation of an advanced paediatric physiotherapy clinic for premature babies discharged from special care baby unit ( SCBU ), exploring parents ’ experiences of developmental support
Background to study
The frequency of premature babies being born and surviving has increased over recent years due to early medical management . Consequently , those premature babies are now surviving with further complications , and research has associated a higher risk of cerebral palsy ( CP ) with premature birth ( Vincer et al ., 2014 ). Physiotherapy involvement in developmental surveillance is well supported ( DH , 2009 ). In the local Trust , physiotherapists were not involved in the early management of premature babies . A change in the local service was implemented ; an Advanced community based physiotherapy follow-up clinic for premature babies . The new service ensured that all high-risk premature babies were directly referred from SCBU for a developmental assessment in an Advanced physiotherapy clinic . The Advanced Physiotherapist was an MSc Student in Advanced Clinical Practice and carried out a Service Evaluation of the follow-up clinic .
Methdology
Ethics approval was gained and reflexivity was considered throughout the service evaluation . Individual interviews were carried out with parents of babies who attended the physiotherapy service . The babies were born with a gestational age of 32 weeks or below ( NICE , 2018 ). The interviews were transcribed verbatim . Data was then thematically analysed using a template approach ( Braun and Clarke , 2013 ).
Findings
Eight themes were identified ; Physiotherapy is a form of guidance and reassurance for parents ; physiotherapy increases compliance and engagement ; physiotherapy reduces worry and anxiety ; physiotherapy offers support post discharge from SCBU ; physiotherapy service offers a seamless transition process from SCBU to community ;