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The Role and Value of a Paediatric Specialist Neurodevelopmental Diagnostic Service: Parental Perceptions
Author(s) -
Giannoulis Katingo,
Beresford Fran,
Davis Hilton,
Baird Gillian,
Sclare Irene
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
child and adolescent mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1475-3588
pISSN - 1475-357X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2004.00083.x
Subject(s) - attendance , perception , service (business) , medicine , family medicine , psychology , economy , neuroscience , economics , economic growth
Background: This study was undertaken to explore parental perceptions of the role and value of a specialist service for children and families. This service offers assessment and diagnosis of children with neurodevelopmental disorders of the kind that are not evident at birth. Method: Information was collected from 37 families on expectations and experience of clinic attendance, user satisfaction and outcome through interviews and questionnaires, once before and twice after clinic attendance. Results: 87% of parents found clinic attendance worthwhile, with most expecting to be provided with a diagnosis and advice on education. Parents perceived that the clinic was best able to meet their diagnostic needs and they reported that they were more able to obtain a diagnosis and a specialist opinion at a regional centre than at local clinics. Parent satisfaction with the parent‐child relationship improved following clinic attendance and parents’ self‐identified concerns about their child decreased.