Browsing by Author "North, Gwen-Lynn"

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    Accessibility of advanced seating services in a Western Cape setting : a qualitative exploration of the experiences of carers of children with cerebral palsy
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) North, Gwen-Lynn; Visagie, Surona; Geiger, Martha; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Centre for Rehabilitation Studies.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: It is important for health professionals to understand the experiences of carers of children with cerebral palsy (CP) when accessing health care. Understanding their experiences might help providers to make services more accessible. Aim of the study: To explore the experiences of carers of children with CP (GMFCS IV/V), around the accessibility of advanced seating services at a tertiary healthcare facility in the Western Cape. Methods: This study implemented an exploratory, qualitative research design. Of the study population consisting of 62 carers of children with severe CP, seven carers were purposively sampled and interviewed. Thematic analysis with an inductive reasoning process was used to analyse and generate themes from the semi-structured interviews that were conducted. Findings: Carers experienced a great deal of stress around accessing the tertiary healthcare facility for the seating appointment. Four themes were generated: (1) A strenuous experience, (2) Transport, (3) The child and the buggy, and (4) Facilitators to access. Conclusion: Carers encountered barriers, such as transport, that limited access to the tertiary healthcare facility to attend the advanced seating clinic. Service providers need to take cognisance of the challenges that posture support devices pose to using public transport when prescribing a posture support wheelchair. Service providers should consider decentralizing seating services. There is room for improvement of the current public transport systems to be more inclusive for carers, their children with CP and their posture support wheelchairs by enacting legislation in the Western Cape.