The Effects of Family-Centred Functional Therapy on the Occupational Performance of Children with Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND: Family-Centred Functional Therapy (FCFT) is a comprehensive approach to paediatric occupational therapy that considers and addresses the skills of the child, the requirements of functional tasks and the elements within the tasks environment, including family goals and preferences. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to determine if interventions based on FCFT, but limited to addressing elements of the task and environment, would improve task performance. METHOD: A single subject, multiple baseline design was applied to three children, for three tasks each. Tasks were selected by parents and measured during baseline and intervention phases. RESULTS: Results indicate that for each child at least one of the two tasks for which intervention was provided demonstrated improved performance. Parents reported a clinically significant improvement in satisfaction with their children's performance in the tasks that were addressed. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of the FCFT approach.