Parent Perspectives Regarding Care Delivery for Children With Idiopathic Toe Walking to Inform an American Physical Therapy Association Clinical Practice Guideline

Authors

Marybeth Barkocy, Department of Orthopedics, Division of Physical Therapy
Nancy Muir, The University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
Sally Le Cras, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Shannon Brausch, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nicole Hoffman, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Julie Bouck, Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
Ingrid Hendrix, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Library and Informatics Center, Education, Consultation and Reference Services
Cecile Thomas, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; University of New Mexico Student Physical Therapists
Allison Foulk, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico; University of New Mexico Student Physical Therapists
Catherine Quatman-Yates, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Division of Physical Therapy; The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Publication Date

10-1-2021

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study summarizes experiences and perceptions of parents whose children received physical therapy for idiopathic toe walking (ITW) to inform clinical practice guideline development and identify perceived strengths and gaps in care.

METHODS: A US-based survey was distributed to parents of children with ITW. Data from 98 respondents were compiled through descriptive statistics of item responses and review of comments.

RESULTS: Parents reported variability in timing of diagnosis and intervention, ITW care, and extent they felt educated and involved in decision making. Rates of confidence, satisfaction, and effectiveness of physical therapy care varied.

CONCLUSIONS: A parent-informed clinical practice guideline for physical therapy management of ITW and family-friendly supplemental knowledge translation tools could reduce care variability, optimize shared decision making, and increase satisfaction of outcomes.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Clinicians should be knowledgeable about ITW diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options, educating families and engaging them in shared decision making around ITW care.

ISSN

1538-005X

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Child, Gait, Humans, Parents, Physical Therapy Modalities, Toes, United States, Walking

Recommended Citation

Barkocy M, Muir N, Le Cras S, Brausch S, Hoffman N, Bouck J, Hendrix I, Thomas C, Foulk A, Quatman-Yates C. Parent Perspectives Regarding Care Delivery for Children With Idiopathic Toe Walking to Inform an American Physical Therapy Association Clinical Practice Guideline. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2021 Oct 1;33(4):260-266. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000820. PMID: 34432760.

Publication Title

Pediatr Phys Ther