The role of psychosocial counselling in the lives of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities treated at Tygerberg Academic Hospital

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Having a child with neurodevelopmental disabilities has a significant impact on the well-being of parents, including experiencing distress and enduring emotional, financial and physical pressure, due to caring for their. They require formal and informal support systems. Formal support includes counselling services.The purpose of the study was to determine what role psychosocial counselling at Tygerberg Academic Hospital (TAH) plays in the lives of parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities.A descriptive, qualitative approach was followed using semi-structured interviews that focused on the participants' experiences and perceptions regarding their psychosocial needs and counselling. Eleven parents participated in the study. They were sampled purposively. Emerging themes were identified through content analysis of interviews.The themes identified were: - Emotions; - Parents' life and relationships; - Lack of support systems to deal with the pressure of care giving; - Social workers; - Challenges with regard to compliance with healthcare provision; and - Gaps identified.The interviews found that parents received no psychosocial counselling at TAH. This was a disappointment to participants. They indicated feeling very isolated and emotional, and experiencing psychological burnout, while such social work services provided focussed on applications for social grants and patient healthcare treatment. Parents identified a great need for counselling services at the hospital as they believed counselling would assist them to work through emotions, address psychosocial needs, find coping strategies and identify available resources within their communities, which would be beneficial to the psychosocial functioning of the whole family. The parents also identified a need for parent support group services at the hospital.The initiation of this service and support groups for parents is recommended.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University