Collaborative problem solving in the context of early childhood intervention – the link between problems and goals

Table 1.

Fam1Fam2Fam3Fam4Fam5TotalSource of datanMean unitsNMean unitsnMean unitsnMean unitsNMean unitsnMean unitsMemory notes344328444955794996821500573Informal inform132108101323806676231196Planning meetings3171441716131047Interviews21413121526730Total4814675669621011311731836748846

Table 2.

Keywords and concepts, examples ofSubcategoriesCategoriesStretching; bending; exercising; stabilizing; strengtheningBody/physical functionsFOCUSAids for sitting, standing, walking, moving, orthoses; technical aids; wheel chairs; participateActivityMouth massage; sign class; aid for getting attention initiating conversation (Big Mac); communication training; pictures as support for communicationCommunicationAids for drinking, eating; mincing food; special food; Perkutan Endoskopisk Gastrostomi (PEG)NutritionMedications for facilitating catheterization, weight gain, decrease spasms; surgeries; tube,Medical issuesRespite care; assistant; support in relation to visits and appointments; parent support groups; financialSupportActions to minimize the symptoms of disability in body/ physical functions, activity, communication, nutrition, medical issues, and to offer relevant supportInterveningACTIONInstructing family, preschool teachers, assistants about how to use and how aids function,InstructingAssessing the child's status and abilities e.g. physical, psychological, communicational, needsAssessingInforming parent, colleagues, personal at preschool, assistant, contact persons, external resources; informing about activities, wishes, treatment, needsInformingPlanning for meetings with the team, the family, external recourses, preschool, assessments, appointments for treatment, assessment, follow-upsPlanningDossier for referral; letters of referral to specialists, doctors; training programmes; medical records; protocols; dossier for assessments; assessments;DocumentingAsking colleagues about the family; comments about development; worrying; chats with the families; disappointed when families are treated badlyEngagingConsulting colleagues; special competence; being a consult; consulting for finding special competence; about aids; advices; external support for the familyConsultingReflecting about own and the team's professional knowledge and competence; reflecting about children's needs and reactions; encountering familiesReflectingBring and fetch aids, materials, orthoses, books, bolls, toys, feeding supplies, documents, computer programmesHanding overAsk for information/knowledge about disability, consequences, health; advices; support; needs;ConcernsCOLLABORATION (parents and/or professionals together)Emphasize and negotiating problems; express difficulties; discuss conceivable solutionsProblem solvingDecide about activities, actions, interventions; goal-settingMaking decisions

Table 3.

NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchAction: interveningPlanning meetingEveryday habEveryday habEveryday habEveryday habFocusPh – Body/physiological23A – Activity132Com – Communication2454N – Nutrition2M – MedicineS – Family support11CollaborationParents’ concerns2Com;2S; 1NProblem solving1N4S; 1NDecision1Ph2Com2Ph1S1Ph; 1Com