1242 Evaluation of Feeding-Education Programme for Children with Cerebral Palsy at Inpatient Pediatric Unit: From Caregivers' Perception

Abstract

Objective Evaluate the feeding-education programme of the Paediatric Inpatient Unit of CRP, Savar, Dhaka, from perceptions of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy, who are attending the feeding-education programme. Methodology The study was conducted using phenomenological method in qualitative approach. Caregivers of children with cerebral palsy were the study participants who stay with their children in the Paediatric Inpatient Unit of CRP and attend the feeding-education programme. Nineteen participants were selected using purposive sample. Data were generated through 7 individual interviews and 3 focus-group discussions and observations within 2 months. Each focus group consisted of 4 participants. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using content analysis under category, code and preparing theme for result. Results The results indicate that the caregivers of children with cerebral palsy felt that the feeding education programme was very important for them and their children. They mentioned that this programme improved the feeding performance of their children and enhanced their learning. Conclusion The results suggest that the feeding education programme has the potential to make a valuable contribution to education. Caregivers were very satisfied with occupational therapists for their way of teaching, demonstration, and repetition of information for better understanding, which directly help caregivers manage their children's feeding and reduce their stress.