Analysis of consumer satisfaction in cerebral palsy care

Cerebral palsy offers a considerable challenge to professionals both individually and together to provide an acceptable level of care. To assess the overall quality of care for child and family, 201 parental questionnaires were issued: 60 were analysed. Whilst consultant surgeons, GPs, hospital doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and teachers faired well, satisfaction with other professions was very mixed. Counselling and respite care, as areas of perceived consumer need, were notable by their absence. There is evidence of need in three areas: to secure the current quality of core medical help; to integrate medical and social care, particularly at the point of diagnosis and at times of crisis; and to incorporate consumer opinion into planning, delivering and monitoring specific services.