Parents’ Perceptions of Primary Health Care Physiotherapy With Preterm Infants: Normalization,Clarity, and Trust

Abstract

Having a preterm infant is a life-altering event for parents. The use of interventions intended to support the parents is recommended. In this study, we investigated how parents’ perceptions of physiotherapy in primary health care influenced their adaptation to caring for a preterm child. We conducted 17 interviews involving parents of seven infants, at infants’ corrected age (CA) 3, 6, and 12 months. The analysis was a systematic text condensation, connecting to theory of participatory sense-making. The parents described a progression toward a new normalcy in the setting of persistent uncertainty. Physiotherapists can ameliorate this uncertainty and support the parents’ progression toward normalization, by providing knowledge and acknowledging both the child as subject and the parent–child relationship. Via embodied interaction and the exploration of their child’s capacity, the parents learn about their children’s individuality and gain the confidence necessary to support and care for their children in everyday life.