Caregiver Experience with The Applied Coaching Model on Supporting Adherence to Home Exercise Programs for Children with Developmental Delays: A Mixed Methods Research Study
Abstract
Home exercise programs (HEP) are a form of treatment for children with delayed motor, sensory, cognitive, or speech skills. Studies show improvement in developmental and barriers that affect adherence, there is still a lack of standardized rehabilitation models that can address this issue. This interpretive phenomenology study explores the lived experiences of caregivers of children with developmental delays regarding adherence to HEPs. Participating caregivers interacted with therapists using an Applied Coaching Model (ACM), a model of multiple theories focusing on holistic rehabilitative care. Qualitative results of this mixed-methods study identified specific factors that affect adherence to HEPs. Quantitative results found that adherence was associated with increased exposure to the ACM. With these findings, future rehabilitative interventions may be improved by integrating an applied coaching model to increase adherence to HEPs.