A qualitative study of child participation in decision-making: Exploring rights-based approaches in pediatric occupational therapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

According to Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, therapists are duty-bound to include children in decisions that impact them. Although occupational therapists champion client-centred, collaborative practice, there remains a paucity of studies detailing children's rights and experiences of decision-making in pediatric occupational therapy.

Purpose

This qualitative study described the decision-making experiences of children, parents and therapists in occupational therapy.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 participants (six children, five parents and six occupational therapists), and data analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Three themes emerged: 1) Goal-setting experiences; 2) Adults: child-rights gatekeepers or defenders? and 3) Decision-making in context. Findings suggest that decision-making is mostly adult directed, and children's voices are subsumed by adult-led services, priorities, and agendas.

Implications

Children's rights need to be embedded as an aspect of best practice in providing services that are child-centred in occupational therapy practices and education.

SUBMITTER: O'Connor D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8675724 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature