A consumer approach to a paediatric assessment clinic
Hochstadter, S.; Goodman, M.; Wagner, J.
South African Medical Journal 68(4): 245-248
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 4035480 Document Number: 250110
The past 20 years have witnessed a revolution in the treatment of mentally retarded children. Initially, parents received very little help after the diagnosis was made. Towards the end of the 1960s parents were trained in techniques devised by professionals. A new concept, called the 'consumer model', where parents form an important part of the caring team in selecting a programme best suited to their current needs, is at present developing. With this in mind a survey was carried out by the Assessment Clinic at the Transvaal Memorial Institute for Child Health and Development, Johannesburg, to ascertain parents' needs and their opinions of the service received at the clinic. Thirty-seven parents were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The results are discussed and the subsequent changes made at the clinic presented. The need for an ongoing evaluation of such a service is emphasized.