Purpose: This study explored the experiences of parents of young children with cerebral palsy who used Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs).
Materials and methods: Parents of children with cerebral palsy (n = 11; age range 2-6 years) who used solid or hinged AFOs participated. Interpretive Description, a qualitative methodological approach focused on the application of findings to clinical practice, was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and themes were developed using thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes described parent experience with their children's AFOs: 1) "Hear what I am saying": Collaborative decision-making with families, 2) "Is my child going to be excluded because of AFOs?": Parent and child adjustment was a journey, 3) AFOs created financial and practical challenges, 4) The perceived benefits of AFO use.
Conclusions: Adjusting to AFOs was a challenging and time-consuming process for parents and children, which may have resulted in lower frequency and duration of use than anticipated by clinicians. Clinicians must be aware of the physical and psychosocial adjustment process as children and families adapt over time and work with families to ensure AFO use is optimized and individualized.
Keywords: Cerebral palsy; ankle-foot orthoses; parent experience; pediatric orthotics; qualitative research.
Clinical practice will be enhanced by understanding parent experience with their children’s receipt and use of Ankle-Foot Orthoses (AFOs).Clinicians should work with families to establish and monitor individualized wear-time schedules that align with family routines.Information about AFOs, including appearance and alternative clothing requirements, should be provided to families in advance of receiving AFOs.