Caregiver perspectives on daily use of technology in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy in Spain: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore usage of available technology in daily life by children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP) and to examine the experiences and perspectives of their families.

Material and methods: Fifteen caregivers of children with UCP aged 3-7 years participated in online semi-structured interviews. Interviews consisted of open-ended questions related to usage of technology, participation of the affected upper limb (UL) when using it and parents' perceptions when being used at home. The interviews were video-recorded and transcribed verbatim. For each interview, framework analysis was conducted by three independent coders.

Results: The following thematic categories were extracted: (1) "daily use of technology", describing the kind of technology used, amount and purposes; (2) "attitudes related to technology" explaining children's attitudes, related to joy, and parents' attitudes, being positive when helping with the rehabilitation process, but against it for recreational purposes; (3) "benefits to the UL using technology", highlighting the role of technology as an element to increase spontaneous use; (4) "barriers and limitations for technological use", describing the barriers experienced by children with UCP in using technology.

Interpretation: This qualitative study provides information about how technology is used by children with UCP and how their parents perceive that technology can help to increase spontaneous use of the affected UL. Findings highlight the role of technology as a motivational element that would allow families and professionals to encourage spontaneous use.