PT Education and Cystic Fibrosis

A recent article in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis reports that physical therapy education was very stressful for parents of toddlers with cystic fibrosis. The parents reported “psychological distress” from PT education. There were three factors that influenced the parents education: large volumes of information, educational resources and timing of education. The researchers recommend specific development of educational resources for parents.

Although this article only pertains to toddlers with cystic fibrosis, therapists should keep in mind the amount of information that we offer to parents during treatment sessions or consultations. Is the information clear and easy to understand? Can the recommendations be carried out during the course of a regular day? Is there so much information that the parents is under “distress”?

Reference: Claire J. Tipping, Rebecca L. Scholes, Narelle S. Coxb. A qualitative study of physiotherapy education for parents of toddlers with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 205-211 (May 2010)