Health Professionals' Perceptions and Practice of Family Centred Care for Children Injured in Road Traffic Accidents: A Qualitative Study in Ghana

Abstract

The Family Centered Care (FCC) model is widely recognized as the standard for pediatric care practice in the context of families and hospitalized children. Healthcare professionals' knowledge of the FCC model 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 context-specific FCC model which reflects social values and cultural norms is therefore required for healthcare services to children and families in Ghana.