Table 2 Themes, sub-themes and codes
Themes | Sub-themes | Codes |
|---|---|---|
1) Parents’ expectations for the FES intervention | a) Functional, exploratory, and realistic goals | - Functional goals - Explore potential of FES - Value of research - Complete recovery not expected - Expectations on retention - Goal of maintenance |
b) Initial apprehension towards FES | - Concerned about child’s tolerance of stimulation - Potential impact of sensory challenges | |
2) Perceived improvement | a) Physical | - Reduced tone - Increased range of motion - Increased awareness and sensation - Decreased range of motion - Rate of physical improvement |
b) Functional | - Improvements in dressing - Improvements in feeding - Improvements in play - New uses of affected arm - Increased frequency of unprompted arm use - Improved movement planning | |
c) Psychological | - Improved confidence - Pride in new abilities | |
d) Still room for improvement | - Progress made - Potential for more improvement | |
3) Factors influencing the FES intervention | a) Structure | - Flexibility of structure is beneficial - Volume is beneficial - Volume is a challenge - Travel time is a challenge - Therapy worth travel time |
b) Therapist factors | - Flexibility of therapist - Individualization in sessions - Rapport with child | |
c) Child factors | - Characteristics of child that facilitated FES - Child not always cooperative - Child needs to be comfortable with therapist - Tolerance of electrical stimulation - Experiences with prior therapy facilitated FES | |
4) Lack of access to intensive therapy | a) Not provided in mainstream therapy | - Lack of public services - Lack of regular therapy - Different from conventional therapy |
b) Wanting access to FES outside of the study | - Home FES - Availability of FES in private sector - Availability of FES for adults versus children - Role as advocate for FES | |
c) Socioeconomic challenges to access | - Frequency of sessions - Facilitators of participation - Social class - Cost of FES | |
5) Strategies to facilitate participation | a) Program structure and delivery | - Preference for FES at home - Preference for FES outside of home - Intensive camps - FES with other therapies - Child-friendly environments - Assistance with transportation |
b) Session delivery | - Distraction - Strategies to increase familiarization with FES - Incentives - Warm-up - Presence of parent at session |