Foundational concepts of collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children

Introduction

In occupational therapy for children, collaborative practice with parents is crucial for meaningful family-centred interventions, yet it remains undefined and inconsistently addressed. This study aimed to establish foundational concepts for collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children in progressing the field with a universal description.

Methods

This paper encompasses the second dataset of a larger scoping review and a preliminary validation of findings by an advisory panel. Data were gathered from indexed sources on collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children (ages 0–10) using MedLine, PsychInfo, ERIC, Embase, OTSeeker, Scopus, and ProQuest Central. Data were extracted, charted, and descriptively analysed by paired independent reviewers. The Joanna Briggs Institute Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis—extension for Scoping Reviews were used. A draft definition of collaborative practices, developed based on preliminary review findings and an operational definition, was validated by an advisory panel of 13 experienced Australian occupational therapists, whose input was integrated into a final, comprehensive description of collaborative practice.

Results

The scoping review encompassed 299 sources, revealing three major components of collaborative practice: ‘collaborative practice aims’, ‘parent–therapist partnership’, and ‘strategies for collaboration’. The advisory panel endorsed the draft definition, confirmed its professional relevance, and suggested some modifications.

Conclusion

The major outcome of this study is an evidence-based and discipline-specific preliminary description of collaborative practice with parents in occupational therapy for children. This description provides a common language and foundational concepts for the future development of a collaborative practice framework to guide practice and research. Future studies can explore specific components, exploring their mechanisms and significance. Further expanded validation is required, incorporating the perspectives of a wider community of occupational therapists and families to enhance the description's applicability.