Investigating adherence by parents to treatment recommendations following psychological assessment

Abstract

Psychological assessment can be a valuable tool for understanding children’s academic, emotional and behavioural functioning, with treatment recommendations proving to be an integral component of this process. For assessments to be worthwhile and effective, in particular those completed on children, it is important to know whether the treatment recommendations are initiated once received and whether treatment is adhered to once started. At present there is minimal research found, particularly in South Africa which examines whether parents or caregivers adhere to treatment recommendations provided in the assessment report for their children. To bridge this gap the study sought to gain information from parents on whether they implement treatment recommendations provided from a psychological assessment, and, if not, which recommendations have not yet been implemented. The research was also concerned with establishing the various reasons which may promote or impede on follow through of recommendations, making a mixed method design the most appropriate format for this purpose. Both the quantitative and qualitative data collection strategies were implemented using a questionnaire received from a total of 30 participants, who were the parents or caregivers of the children who completed a psychological assessment. The findings of the study indicated a rate of 53% of participants either completing treatments fully or still continuing treatments which were recommended. Factors such as a strong need for assisting the child was found to be one of the aspects which promoted adherence. Other factors included support from family, teachers, doctors and health care workers, the practicality of accessing services, and success of the treatments influencing caregivers to continue with treatments. The high rate of non-adherence (47%) was found to be a result of time and financial resources, caregivers feeling as though the recommended treatments were unnecessary, and caregivers finding it difficult to accept responsibility for attending treatments. These factors seem to form a barrier for many children who should be accessing treatments, thus making it likely that many disorders in children are not being treated appropriately. The results of this study and specifically the factors which promote or impede adherence should be taken into account by psychologists, most importantly when feedback and recommendations are being provided to parents. Although conducted specifically in a psychiatric facility, the study is seen to be beneficial to parents of children who may require psychological assessment and treatment; educational and neuropsychologists, clinical psychologists as well as health care professionals who may use an assessment method as a means to recommend further treatment intervention to parents or caregivers. Future research includes exploring child and parent internal factors such as personality types and psychopathy, and the extent to which parents accept their part in the therapeutic process and are willing to attend therapies involving themselves. In addition, a deeper exploration into the factors which promote adherence is essential to understand how some caregivers, despite time or financial barriers still have the ability to provide the treatments for their children. The results would assist clinicians who are unable to change the barriers to adherence, to work instead on those factors which promote adherence. Copyright