Impact of parental efficacy in doctor-patient communication on rehabilitation outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the potential influencing factors and complex pathways affecting rehabilitation effect for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the perspective of parental efficacy in doctor-patient communication, and to provide evidence for improving the quality of rehabilitation service for children with ASD. MethodsAn anonymous face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted to collect general demographic information of parents of children with ASD at designated rehabilitation institutions in Gansu province. The data included parental efficacy in doctor-patient communication, parental compliance of treatment and children's rehabilitation outcomes were collected. A structural equation model was used to explore the impact mechanism of parental communication efficacy on the rehabilitation outcomes of children with ASD. ResultsData from 519 parents at 37 rehabilitation institutions across 13 cities/counties in Gansu province were collected. Significant positive correlations were found between parental efficacy in doctor-patient communication, doctor-patient relationships, parental compliance with treatment and rehabilitation outcomes for children with ASD (P < 0.05). Through structural equation model analysis, the standardized direct effect of children with ASD from parents' doctor-patient communication efficacy was 0.151 (P = 0.023). The mediating effect of doctor-patient relationship and parental compliance with treatment were 0.160 (P = 0.001) and 0.111 (P = 0.001), respectively, with a chained mediating effect of 0.035 (P = 0.001). The pathway "parental efficacy in doctor-patient communication → doctor-patient relationship → ASD child's rehabilitation outcome" accounted for the highest proportion of the total mediating effect, at 52.29%. ConclusionParental doctor-patient communication efficacy may positively impact on the rehabilitation outcomes of children with ASD directly, and indirectly through the doctor-patient relationship and parental compliance with treatment. Rehabilitation institutions should focus on fostering parental communication skills and enhancing high-quality and humanized rehabilitation services.