Parental perspectives on the effects of botulinum toxin treatment on the arms and hands in children with cerebral palsy
Short description
Injections of botulinum toxin in combination with occupational therapy interventions have demonstrated positive effects on the performance of activities of daily living in children with cerebral palsy. The aim of the present study is to describe the effects of botulinum toxin treatment in the arms and hands from a parental perspective. Parents’ experiences of the treatment’s impact on their children’s everyday activities will be explored.
Aim
To describe the effects of botulinum toxin treatment in the arms and hands in children with cerebral palsy from a parental perspective.
Research Questions
What experiences do parents have regarding the effects of the treatment?
What experiences do parents have of changes in their children’s activities of daily living?
Method
Materials and Methods
In the present study, responses from a previously collected parental questionnaire concerning perceptions of their children’s treatment effects were analyzed. The responses were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and formed the basis for the interview topic guide.
In the current study, semi-structured interviews will be conducted and are expected to provide in-depth descriptions of parents’ experiences of the treatment effects and capture meanings that cannot be obtained through a questionnaire. The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis through data analysis, coding, and categorization.
Participants and Data Collection
Participants in the study are parents of children with cerebral palsy who attend the Pediatric Neurological Assessment Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg for treatment with botulinum toxin in the arm and/or hand.
Inclusion criteria:
Parents of children with cerebral palsy who receive botulinum toxin treatment in the arms and/or hands
Approximately 10–15 interviews are expected to be conducted, or until data saturation is reached in accordance with qualitative research criteria.
Ethical Approval
The study has been approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Gothenburg and by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority following an amendment application.
Results
The results will be presented based on themes and subthemes identified through coding and analysis. Selected interview quotations will be used to provide an in-depth description of the findings.