FATHERS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES COMMENT ON HEALTH-SERVICES

Aim. A study to investigate the experiences of fathers of children wit h disabilities generated comments about hospital-based services receiv ed around the time of diagnosis, Methods. Fifteen fathers were intervi ewed in-depth using an inductive qualitative methodology. Interview tr anscripts were subjected to computer-assisted analysis in order to ide ntify patterns, themes and categories. Results. Analysis of the data p roduced a dimension identified and labelled by the authors as negative service evaluation. The components of this dimension were related to poor interpersonal skills by medical staff while breaking bad news, an d different expectations of physicians and fathers over the practical implications of diagnosis. Conclusions. These results support previous findings and indicate that physicians must take more responsibility f or breaking bad news in a way that parents find acceptable.