Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation study

Background Family-centred goal setting is central to optimal care and outcomes for children with a disability. Digital innovations show promise for increased engagement and empowerment of families. While digital products have the potential to improve collaboration, there are barriers which may preve...

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Main Authors: Meghan Wilson, Bridget O’Connor, Marnie Drake, Adam Scheinberg, Christine Imms, Rose Babic, Danny Hui, George Charalambous, Sarah Knight
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2025-03-01
Series:Digital Health
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251319827
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author Meghan Wilson
Bridget O’Connor
Marnie Drake
Adam Scheinberg
Christine Imms
Rose Babic
Danny Hui
George Charalambous
Sarah Knight
author_facet Meghan Wilson
Bridget O’Connor
Marnie Drake
Adam Scheinberg
Christine Imms
Rose Babic
Danny Hui
George Charalambous
Sarah Knight
author_sort Meghan Wilson
collection DOAJ
description Background Family-centred goal setting is central to optimal care and outcomes for children with a disability. Digital innovations show promise for increased engagement and empowerment of families. While digital products have the potential to improve collaboration, there are barriers which may prevent service providers and families from using these resources. Objective This study aimed to: (a) understand goal sharing experiences of service providers and caregivers, and (b) identify views on a digital platform designed to share the goals of children with a disability between service providers and families. Methods Semi-structured interviews ( n  = 12) were conducted with paediatric service providers and caregivers in Australia. Transcripts were analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Findings Experiences of sharing goals were reflected in sub-categories: conversations and listening to families’ needs ; collaboration and building relationships ; adopting a family-driven approach ; big picture and specific goals ; communicating and documenting goals ; goals need to be meaningful; using a structured approach; National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) goals and challenges and barriers . Views on using a digital platform were captured by sub-categories: potential to empower families ; collaboration and shared understanding; communication in your own time ; everything in the same place ; accessible and user friendly ; functionality and preferred features ; workload; some families might not engage with it and using new technology . Conclusion We developed an understanding of how the goals of children are shared and perspectives on a digital platform. These findings have implications for the development and implementation of digital health products designed to improve care for children with a disability.
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spelling doaj-art-34d08c7cf1e24ec0bfd5decd3a5e81492025-08-20T01:50:26ZengSAGE PublishingDigital Health2055-20762025-03-011110.1177/20552076251319827Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation studyMeghan Wilson0Bridget O’Connor1Marnie Drake2Adam Scheinberg3Christine Imms4Rose Babic5Danny Hui6George Charalambous7Sarah Knight8 Department of Paediatrics, , Parkville, VIC, Australia Department of Paediatrics, , Parkville, VIC, Australia Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, , Parkville, VIC, Australia Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Department of Paediatrics, , Parkville, VIC, Australia , Melbourne, VIC, Australia Sameview, NSW, Australia Curve Tomorrow, Melbourne, VIC, Australia Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Melbourne, VIC, AustraliaBackground Family-centred goal setting is central to optimal care and outcomes for children with a disability. Digital innovations show promise for increased engagement and empowerment of families. While digital products have the potential to improve collaboration, there are barriers which may prevent service providers and families from using these resources. Objective This study aimed to: (a) understand goal sharing experiences of service providers and caregivers, and (b) identify views on a digital platform designed to share the goals of children with a disability between service providers and families. Methods Semi-structured interviews ( n  = 12) were conducted with paediatric service providers and caregivers in Australia. Transcripts were analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Findings Experiences of sharing goals were reflected in sub-categories: conversations and listening to families’ needs ; collaboration and building relationships ; adopting a family-driven approach ; big picture and specific goals ; communicating and documenting goals ; goals need to be meaningful; using a structured approach; National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) goals and challenges and barriers . Views on using a digital platform were captured by sub-categories: potential to empower families ; collaboration and shared understanding; communication in your own time ; everything in the same place ; accessible and user friendly ; functionality and preferred features ; workload; some families might not engage with it and using new technology . Conclusion We developed an understanding of how the goals of children are shared and perspectives on a digital platform. These findings have implications for the development and implementation of digital health products designed to improve care for children with a disability.https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251319827
spellingShingle Meghan Wilson
Bridget O’Connor
Marnie Drake
Adam Scheinberg
Christine Imms
Rose Babic
Danny Hui
George Charalambous
Sarah Knight
Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation study
Digital Health
title Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation study
title_full Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation study
title_fullStr Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation study
title_full_unstemmed Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation study
title_short Feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families: A qualitative, pre-implementation study
title_sort feasibility of a goal sharing digital platform designed to empower children with disability and their families a qualitative pre implementation study
url https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251319827
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