ABSTRACT
This paper investigates the challenges faced by health professionals working with children with disabilities, with the aim of identifying areas for improvement. Employing a focus group method, the study involved knowledge levelling, discussions, problematization, cause formulation, and validation. A diverse team of ten professionals participated, including physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nursing technicians, and social workers. Findings reveal organisational inflexibility in appointment scheduling, lack of deadlines affecting case monitoring, and the mental strain of immediate clinical responses. Effective communication and multidisciplinary care emerge as beneficial. Proposed improvements include flexible space utilisation, enhanced room design, structured collaboration training, role clarification, parent partnerships, flexible scheduling, and continuous professional development. This study unveils unique challenges and rewards in the healthcare environment, offering insights into causative factors and practical strategies for enhancing the work of health professionals working with children with disabilities.
Health professionals working with children with disabilities encounter various challenges in their daily practice. This research identifies key areas for improvement, including enhancing collaboration among team members, optimising physical spaces, and providing ongoing training and support. By addressing these challenges and implementing the proposed improvement strategies, practitioners can better meet the complex needs of children with disabilities and improve overall patient care outcomes.