Article

The aim was to explore what wants and needs intensive group training
(IGT) fulfil for parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and what problems
that may arise due to participation. METHODS: A phenomenograpical approach was
used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit information about what
participation means to parents. RESULTS: Five overarching categories expressing
positive functions of IGT were identified: IGT as knowledge promotion, as a
complementary training resource, as a bracket to ordinary life, as a means to
promote relations with therapists, and as a leisure-activity. One category: IGT
as risk for ill-being expresses perceived problems. Each category is in turn
divided into a number of subconceptions - 13 conceptions of this kind were
identified. CONCLUSIONS: The conceptions express positive and negative functions
of IGT as perceived by parents. These functions in turn can be considered as
reflections of basic wants and needs. The results demonstrate that IGT have a
potential to contribute to feelings of enhanced care competence among parents, of
being supported and of increased strength and vitality. All parents did not have
needs of participation in IGT for themselves. There is also a risk that IGT is
experienced as an additional burden and may have negative effects on
family-functioning.

Langue : ANGLAIS