Family-centered service through the eyes of insiders: Healthcare providers who are parents speak about receiving and providing healthcare in child health

Abstract

Background: When healthcare providers (HCPs) become patients, the experience affects their sense of identity, the care they receive, and their clinical practice. In child health, considerably less is known about the experiences of HCP-parents who access the pediatric healthcare system with their own children with disabilities and/or chronic medical conditions. Aims: This study aimed to examine the experiences of HCPs who have children with disabilities to identify their experiences with healthcare delivery. Methods and procedures: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with HCP-parents, using focus groups and open-ended interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: For HCP-parents, the experience of having a child with a disability affects how they see themselves, their patients, service organizations, and the healthcare system in general. Having medical knowledge and access to networks brings both benefits and unique challenges. HCP-parents also have unique needs that are not currently being addressed. The lived experiences of HCP-parents can contribute to improving patient care. However, the value of this lived experience is unrecognized and underutilized. Conclusions: The lived experiences of HCP-parents can contribute important insights regarding service delivery, and in particular regarding the application of Family-Centered Service.