Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
O'Connor, Deirdre, Lynch, Helen & Boyle, Bryan
2021
December
Plos One
A qualitative study of child participation in decision-making: Exploring rights-based approaches in pediatric occupational therapy
Validated
()
Optional Fields
16
12
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.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260975
Grant Details