Disclosure of disability: exploring the perspective of parents

Objective: to explore the perspective of parents with regard to disclosure of disability and early follow-up care, Design: the research approach was hermeneutic phenomenology, Data were coll ected using focused interviews that were audio-taped, transcribed and inter preted. Setting: Scotland. Participants: the parents of 63 children born with a congenital limb defici ency, Findings: the findings demonstrate the complexity and variability in parent al response. Additionally, what is shown is that disclosure was often handl ed poorly and that the support offered during the stay in the maternity uni t was frequently inadequate, Conclusion: in order to handle disclosure effectively, health professionals require appropriate education and training and it is recommended that inno vative ways of encouraging discussion and debate are sought.