Health Professionals' Perceptions and Practice of Family Centred Care for Children Injured in Road Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Study in Ghana
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Date
2020-02-11
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Journal of Pediatric Nursing
Abstract
The Family Centered Care (FCC) model iswidely recognized as the standard for pediatric care practice in the context
of families and hospitalized children. Healthcare professionals' knowledge of the FCCmodel is therefore central
to its successful implementation. Nonetheless, there is paucity of scholarship in the Ghanaian context,
regarding professionals' knowledge and practice of FCC.
Objectives: This study, being the first in the Ghanaian context aimed to explore the perceptions of family centered
care among healthcare professionals who provide the healthcare needs of children hospitalized through road
traffic accidents.
Method: Twenty-four (24) healthcare professionals were interviewed as part of a larger study which adopted a
Grounded Theory approach. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently. Here, we employed constant
comparative methods to structure emerging categories and sub-categories.
Findings: Most health professionals in the study perceived family centered care to mean family involvement, although
obvious inconsistencies characterized existing practices. Based on contextual perspectives, three categories
emerged, namely; parental involvement, communication and setting boundaries.
Conclusion: The concept of FCC is a familiar terminology among health professionals. However, its principles,
components and dimensions in the western context are alien to healthcare professionals in Ghana. A contextspecific
FCC model which reflects social values and cultural norms is therefore required for healthcare services
to children and families in Ghana
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Ghana, Family centered care, Family involvement, Professionals, Road traffic accidents