Perspectives of parents and tutors on a self-management program for parents/guardians of children with long-term and life-limiting conditions: 'A life raft we can sail along with'

摘要

The lay-led, community-based Supporting Parents Programme (SPP) aims to assist parents caring for children with long-term, or life-limiting conditions through and cognitive behavioral techniques. The value of the SPP from the perspectives of parent participants and tutors was examined in focus groups and telephone interviews. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Parents perceived a commonality of emotions and practical issues, valued meeting similar other, felt less isolated, more positive, motivated, and more calm; some had found the "real me again." Charges were attributed to techniques learned. Parents were anxious of being cast adrift at the end of SPP. Tutors needed more support and additional training around child protection and confidentiality. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.