Parental Perception About Care Provided by Occupational Therapist to Differently Abled Children

Abstract

Background: Parental perception of care plays a pivotal role in evaluating the effectiveness and quality of occupational therapy services provided to differently abled children. Understanding caregiver satisfaction not only informs clinical practice but also enhances family-centered care, which is essential for promoting optimal developmental outcomes. In resource-limited settings, such perceptions are underexplored, particularly within culturally diverse contexts like Pakistan. Objective: To determine parental perception regarding the care provided by occupational therapists to differently abled children using a validated measurement framework. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2023 and January 2024 across six private rehabilitation centers in Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 150 parents of children aged 1–13 years receiving occupational therapy for at least two months were recruited via purposive sampling. Data were collected using the validated Measure of Processes of Care-20 (MPOC-20), which assesses five core subscales: Enabling Partnership, Providing General Information, Providing Specific Information, Respectful and Supportive Care, and Comprehensive and Coordinated Care. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using SPSS v23. Results: Overall satisfaction was high across all subscales, with the highest ratings in Enabling Partnership and Specific Information. However, satisfaction with general information provision, particularly peer support sources, was lower. A moderate inverse correlation (r = –0.38, p < 0.001) was observed between parental stress and satisfaction. Conclusion: Occupational therapy services were well-received by parents, reflecting effective therapeutic engagement. However, gaps in informational support suggest the need for targeted interventions to strengthen family empowerment and reduce caregiver stress.