Parent-to-Parent Support for Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: A Conceptual Framework
Background: Parent-to-parent support for parents with children who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) is identified as an important component of early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) programs for children with hearing loss. Purpose: The specific aim of this review was to identify the constructs and components of parent-to-parent support for parents of children who are D/HH. Research Design: An extensive scoping literature review identified 39 peer-reviewed articles published from 2000-2014. Studies were selected and reviewed based on standardized procedures. Results: Data was identified, extracted and organized into libraries of thematic and descriptive content. A conceptual framework of parent-to-parent support for parents of children who are D/HH was developed and presented in a comprehensive, bidirectional informational graphic. The constructs and components of the conceptual framework are 1) well-being: parent, family and child, 2) knowledge: advocacy, system navigation and education, 3) empowerment: confidence and competence. Conclusions: The findings from this scoping review led to the development of a structured conceptual framework of parent-to-parent support for parents of children who are D/HH. The conceptual framework provides an important opportunity to explore and clearly define the vital contribution of parents in EHDI programs.
Scoping review, Delphi, parent-to-parent support, children with hearing loss, deaf or hard of hearing, conceptual framework
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