Exploring the experiences of parents caring for infants with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

Background The psycho social consequences for parents regarding the screening and treatment policies of DDH are potentially important in the management of DDH. There are no definitive national guidelines in relation to the... [ view full abstract ]

Background
The psycho social consequences for parents regarding the screening and treatment policies of DDH are potentially important in the management of DDH. There are no definitive national guidelines in relation to the screening and treatment of DDH in Ireland at this present time. A hospital in the South of Ireland currently runs one of the few dedicated DDH clinics in the Republic of Ireland.
Aims and objectives
• To explore the experiences of parents of infants with DDH and identify their needs to develop appropriate care packages for service improvements.
• To identify scope for change in DDH management and treatment.

Method
• Parents/caregivers of infants with DDH completed a questionnaire in relation to their experiences utilising a dedicated DDH clinic and caring for a child with DDH.
• SPSS 21.0 software package was used for data entry and statistical analysis.
• Ethical approval was granted from the local Regional Ethics Committee (19th May 2014)
Findings
Results indicated a high degree of satisfaction with DDH services provided in the South of Ireland. There was a significant low level of anxiety amongst parents attending the clinic in relation to the practical difficulties when managing an infant in a splint appliance as well as a low level of worry and upset associated with the diagnosis of the condition itself.
Conclusion and implications
This study will:
• Provide valuable data regarding the effectiveness of the DDH clinic and an in-depth understanding of the opinions of those whose babies are being screened and treated for DDH.
• Allow service users an opportunity to articulate their views on service provision within the DDH setting in the South of Ireland.
• Provide a basis for an evaluation of current treatment and services provision in Ireland.