Family-centred service in childhood disability: a qualitative study of service providers perspectives on their approaches to practice

PURPOSE: Family-centred service aims to empower parents of children with developmental concerns to make informed decisions about their priorities and needs. Service providers have an important role in supporting parental empowerment. This qualitative study aimed to explore how service providers (i) understand family-centred service, (ii) develop their ability to work in family-centred ways, (iii) perceive their approaches to practice and influences on approaches. METHODS: Interviews explored the family-centred service capability, opportunity, and motivation of Australian service providers. Within an interpretive description methodology, reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data. RESULTS: Analysis of 22 interviews led to a central theme of FCS as different pathways in practice, with three subthemes: (1) The FCS paths are built on a continuum of learning and development, (2) Co-navigating the FCS paths with families, (3) Influences at different levels guide the FCS navigation. CONCLUSION: Together these themes describe how service providers require an understanding of family-centred service based on evidence, flexibility and support within services and systems, and a genuine desire to empower families to work in ways responsive to, and guided by, family needs and priorities.