Naomi E Graham1, Juliette Truman2, Heather Holgate3. 1. Naomi E. Graham, MSc, BSc(Hons), is Children's Occupational Therapist, London Children's Practice, London; naomigraham@hotmail.co.uk. 2. Juliette Truman, PhD, MSc, DipCOT, is Lecturer in Occupational Therapy and Practice Academic Liaison Lead for Occupational Therapy, University of Southampton, Southampton, England. 3. Heather Holgate, BSc(OT), is Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist for Children, Redbridge, London.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To present the findings of an exploratory study regarding the experience of play as an everyday occupation for children with severe cerebral palsy from their parents' perspective. METHOD: We took a qualitative methodology and interpretive descriptive approach. After ethical approval, 7 participants were recruited and completed an interview and contextual information sheet. RESULTS: The interview data led to the exploration of four themes: typical play, burden of play, expanding the concept of play, and therapy and play. These components were interlinked and contributed to parents' understanding of play. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy practitioners can aim to further understand the importance of affirming typical play, recognizing the burden of play, explaining expanded play, and explaining the importance of play for play's sake.
OBJECTIVE: To present the findings of an exploratory study regarding the experience of play as an everyday occupation for children with severe cerebral palsy from their parents' perspective. METHOD: We took a qualitative methodology and interpretive descriptive approach. After ethical approval, 7 participants were recruited and completed an interview and contextual information sheet. RESULTS: The interview data led to the exploration of four themes: typical play, burden of play, expanding the concept of play, and therapy and play. These components were interlinked and contributed to parents' understanding of play. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy practitioners can aim to further understand the importance of affirming typical play, recognizing the burden of play, explaining expanded play, and explaining the importance of play for play's sake.