This questionnaire is concerned with carers experiences of daytime postural care. This questionnaire may be completed by anyone with experience of providing postural care to a child with a physical disability in a school and/or home environment. This includes parents, teachers and teaching assistants. It is likely that information, training and support needs vary considerably from one person to the next – due to the needs of the child, the type of equipment used, or the environment in which postural care is provided. This questionnaire was developed to enable parents, teachers, and teaching assistants to highlight specific aspects of postural care that they find challenging in order that information, training and support may be appropriately targeted.

The questionnaire was originally designed for use in research commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme (grant reference number PB‐PG‐ 0110‐21045).

When using/referring to this questionnaire please acknowledge authorship as appropriate. Details of the development of the questionnaire can be found in the following publication. 

Hotham, S., Hutton, E. & Hamilton‐West, K. E. (2015) Development of a reliable, valid measure to assess parents' and teachers' understanding of postural care for children with physical disabilities: the (UKC‐PostCarD) questionnaire. Child: Care, Health and Development, 41, 1172– 1178

Hamilton-West, K.

Hotham, S.

Hutton, E.

English

Canterbury Research and Theses Environment

East Kent Hospitals UniversityNHS Foundation TrustGeneralQuestionnaireCONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 1CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                    CONFIDENTIAL About this questionnaireThis questionnaire is concerned with experiences of daytime postural care.Postural care involves:“ The constant promotion of good posture to enable children to participate in all activities thus enabling them to fulfil their potential”  (Hutton et al., 2009)Who can complete this questionnaire?This questionnaire may be completed by anyone with experience of providing postural care to a child with a physical disability in the school and/or home environment. This includes parents, teachers and teaching assistants. Why was this questionnaire developed?Previous research has identified the need for greater provision of information, training and support to those providing postural care in the school and/or home environment. However, it is likely that information, training and support needs vary considerably from one person to the next – e.g. due to the needs of the child, the type of equipment used, or the environment in which postural care is provided. This questionnaire was developed to enable parents, teachers, and teaching assistants to highlight specific aspects of postural care that they find challenging in order that information, training and support may be appropriately targeted.What happens to the information I provide?All your answers will be kept confidential and you will not be asked to write your name on the questionnaire. To ensure all your responses are kept confidential we ask that you create a unique identification code at the end of this questionnaire.CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 1SECTION 1 Confidence and ConcernsPostural care involves:“ The constant promotion of good posture to enable children to participate in all activities thus enabling them to fulfil their potential”  (Hutton et al., 2009)Listed below are a number of statements concerning your thoughts and feelings about different areas of postural care. Please read each item below and decide whether you agree or disagree and to what extent. Please provide an answer for all of the items and only mark one answer per item. Do not spend too much time on any one statement.Questions throughout this questionnaire often refer to ‘a child with a disability’. If you are a parent/carer for a child with a disability, please answer in relation to your child/the child you care for. If you are a teacher, teaching assistant, please answer in relation to children you work with in this role.Because people are different there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers to the statements. It is important that you are as honest as possible and that the answer you provide is an accurate representation of your opinions/thoughts/feelings. 1.  I feel confident about providing postural care to a child with a disabilityStrongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree2.  On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident do you feel about providing postural care to a child with a disability?1 = Not confident at all, 10 = Very confidentNot confident at all                                             Very confident1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10(Circle a number on the line)3.  I feel confident that I can tailor care appropriately according to the needs of an individual child.Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree4.  On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident do you feel about tailoring care appropriately according to the needs of an individual child?1 = Not confident at all, 10 = Very confidentNot confident at all                                             Very confident1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10(Circle a number on the line)I am confident that I will be able to provide good postural care, even if:Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree5.  I am asked to use a piece of equipment I am not familiar with6.  I am in a different environment/setting than usual7.  I do not have as much physical support from others as I would like. For example, with moving and/or handling equipment.8.  I do not have as much emotional support from others as I would like to have9.  I am feeling tired10.  I am feeling unwellPage 2                                                                                                                                                                 CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 3I am confident that I will be able to provide good postural care, even if:Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree11.  I am experiencing physical pain or discomfort12.  I do not have all the necessary equipment13.  I have competing commitments/demands on my time14.  There is a lack of cooperation from the child when attempting to move him/her15.  There is a lack of agreement between the professionals caring for the child (e.g., teachers, therapists, social workers) about how best to provide postural careI am concerned that…Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree16.  I might not be providing appropriate postural care17.  I might cause pain by moving a child into a different position18.  I might cause discomfort by moving a child into a different position19.  I might be doing more harm than good20.  I do not have adequate understanding of how best to provide postural care21.  I do not have access to the necessary information to provide good postural care22.  I do not have access to the necessary equipment to provide good postural care23.  I do not have access to the practical support needed to provide good postural care (e.g., help with moving and handling, information leaflets).CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 3SECTION 2 Experience and Training24.  Have you ever used the following equipment when providing postural care to a child?         Yes                   NoSeating equipmentAccessories on seating equipment (e.g. belts, straps)Standing framesAdjustable desks and tablesWheelchairsHoists and slingsToileting equipment25.  Have you had any specific training in how to use any of the following:       Yes              NoSeating equipment  If yes, please describe:Accessories on seating equipment (e.g. belts, straps) If yes, please describe:Standing frames  If yes, please describe:Adjustable desks and tables  If yes, please describe:Wheelchairs  If yes, please describe:Hoists and slings  If yes, please describe:Toileting equipment  If yes, please describe:Page 4                                                                                                                                                                 CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 5SECTION 3 Using postural care equipmentPostural care involves: “ The constant promotion of good posture to enable children to participate in all activities thus enabling them to fulfil their potential”  (Hutton et al., 2009)Listed below are a number of statements relating to specific aspects of postural care and the equipment used. Please read each item below and decide whether you agree or disagree and to what extent. Please provide an answer for all of the items and only mark one answer per item. Do not spend too much time on any one statement. Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree26.  I know which pieces of equipment I am expected to adjust (e.g., height of chair) and which I should not27.  I understand how to adjust the equipment to fit the individual needs of the child28.  I know who to contact if I am concerned that a piece of equipment may need adjusting29.  I am able to select the best equipment to use in different types of situations30.  I know how to position a child for different activities31.  I am able to recognise when a child may not be comfortable32.  I am confident that if a child feels uncomfortable I will be able to assist themThe following items refer to specific pieces of equipment. Mark ‘N/A’ ONLY if you have not used this equipment and do not anticipate that you will need to use it in the future. Otherwise, please indicate your level of agreement with each statement.Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree N/A33.  I feel confident using seating equipment34.  I feel confident using accessories (e.g., belts and straps) on the seating equipment35.  I understand how to adjust the belts and straps on the standing frames and support chairs.36.  I understand how to raise and lower a chair safely.Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree N/ACONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 537.  I feel confident using a standing frame38.  I feel confident enough to adjust desks and tables39.  I feel confident using a wheelchair40.  I feel confident using hoists and slings41.  I feel confident using toileting equipment42.  Is there any other piece of equipment, not mentioned above, that you are unsure about using?       Yes                 No43.  If yes to the question above, please explain:44.  Do you feel you would benefit from further information and/or training in relation to any specific aspects of postural care management?       Yes                 No45.  If yes to the question above, please explain:Page 6                                                                                                                                                                 CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 7SECTION 4 Health and SafetyPostural care involves:“ The constant promotion of good posture to enable children to participate in all activities thus enabling them to fulfil their potential”  (Hutton et al., 2009)The following statements relate to health and safety. Please read each item below and decide whether you agree or disagree and to what extent. Please provide an answer for all of the items and only mark one answer per item. Do not spend too much time on any one statement.Strongly  disagree Disagree AgreeStrongly  agree46.  If required I understand how to move equipment safely47.  I understand how to hoist safely48.  I understand how to identify risks when moving equipment49.  I understand how to prevent injury to myself when moving equipment50.  I understand how to move the child safely51.  I know where to get advice about moving equipment safely52.  If I am concerned about moving equipment safely I know who to ask for help.53.  Do you have any other concerns regarding health and safety?         Yes                     No54.  If yes to the question above, please explain:CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 755.  Do you feel you would benefit from further information and/or training in relation to the safe use of the postural care equipment listed below? Please mark either Yes/No. If answering yes, explain the type of training you would like. Would you benefit from further training?       Yes               NoSeating equipment  If yes, please describe the training you would like:Accessories on seating equipment (e.g. belts, straps) If yes, please describe the training you would like:Standing frames  If yes, please describe the training you would like:Adjustable desks and tables  If yes, please describe the training you would like:Wheelchairs  If yes, please describe the training you would like:Hoists and slings  If yes, please describe the training you would like:Toileting equipment  If yes, please describe the training you would like:Page 8                                                                                                                                                                 CONFIDENTIAL CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 9SECTION 5 Benefits of postural careListed below are a number of statements relating to the benefits of postural care for the child (e.g. benefits for physical health, psychological wellbeing). Please read each statement and decide whether you have received sufficient information already about these aspects, or if you would like to know more. Please provide an answer for all of the items and only mark one option per item. Do not spend too much time on any one statement. There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong ‘ answers to the statements; however, it is important that you are as honest as possible and that the answer you provide is an accurate representation of your opinions/thoughts/feelings.56.  I understand how postural care may affect a child’s physical health and wellbeingYes, I have sufficient knowledge alreadyI have some knowledge already but I would like to know moreI would like to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area57.  I understand how postural care may affect a child’s psychological/emotional wellbeingYes, I have sufficient knowledge alreadyI have some knowledge already but I would like to know moreI would like to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area58.  I understand how postural care may affect a child’s learningYes, I have sufficient knowledge alreadyI have some knowledge already but I would like to know moreI would like to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area59.  I understand how postural care may affect how a child can carry out functional tasks at school  (e.g., writing, cutting and colouring)Yes, I have sufficient knowledge alreadyI have some knowledge already but I would like to know moreI would like to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area60.  I understand how postural care may affect the functional independence of a child. (e.g., feeding, drinking, toileting, transfers) Yes, I have sufficient knowledge alreadyI have some knowledge already but I would like to know moreI would like to enhance my knowledge and skills in this area61.  Do you feel further information about the beneficial effects of postural care would be helpful?       Yes                 No62.  If yes to the question above, please explain:CONFIDENTIAL                                                                                                                                                                Page 9SECTION 6 Information about youFinally, we also need some information about you. This information will help the research team to ensure that training and support may be appropriately targeted. It will not be used to identify individuals and their responses.Gender:         Male                FemaleAge:       Do you have direct experience of working with, or caring for, children (under 19 y/o) with physical disabilities?  (This may include your own child)         Yes                    NoIf ‘yes’ please write the number of children with postural care needs you have cared for in the past.        Do you have direct experience of working with, or caring for, adults with physical disabilities? (This may include a relative)         Yes                    NoWhich answer best describes how many years you have been working with, or caring for, a child or children with postural care needs:           No experience            Less than 1 year            1-2 years            2-3 years            3-4 years            4-5 years            5+ yearsFrom the list, please mark the occupation/title/area that best describes your role.            Parent, family member or carer of a child with a disability           Specialist Teacher           Teacher           Teacher (SENCO)           Teaching Assistant            Other (please state job title below)       ...............................................................       ...............................................................IMPORTANT: For your confidentiality and data protection purposes, please turn to the next page and fill in your own personal code details in the spaces provided. A data protection statement is also overleaf.East Kent Hospitals UniversityNHS Foundation TrustConfidentialityTo ensure all your responses are kept confidential we ask that you create a unique identificationcode. This is also the code you should quote if, at a later date, you wish to withdraw theinformation you have shared with us. The identification code will only allow us to identify yourquestionnaire - we cannot identify you from your study identification number.What happens to the information I give?All information collected from the questionnaires will remain strictly confidential. All answers willbe entered into the computer and only broad trends will be reported. No individual details willbe revealed. The questionnaires will be securely stored for as long as is required by the DataProtection Act and then they will be destroyed.The research team would also like to thank the following individualsfor their contribution to the development of the questionnaire:Wendy Body, Sharon Godden, Siobhan Gray, Jan Jensen, Judi Mortimore, Terry Pountney,Ian Townsend, Graham Williams, Val Wood.The development of this questionnaire was supported by an award in 2011 from East KentHospitals University Foundation Trust, Internal Project Grant Scheme.ContactPlease send your completed questionnaire to:Fiona TudorCentre for Work Based Learning and Continuing DevelopmentFaculty of Health & Wellbeing, Johnson Building,Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QUTelephone 01227 782984 Email posturalcare@canterbury.ac.ukThis questionnaire was developed by the research team listed below:Dr Kate Hamilton-West, University of KentDr Eve Hutton, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation TrustAnnette King, University of KentSarah Hotham, University of KentMaggie Gurr, Canterbury Christ Church UniversityPlease write below the first twoletters of your Mother’s firstname(e.g., ‘SA’ for Sarah or Sam)Please write below the month ofYOUR birth( e.g., 07 for July)Please write below the last twoletters of your surname(e.g. ‘TH’ for Smith)Please indicate the date of the training workshop you attended/will attend:Are you completing this questionnaire before or after the workshop?Please delete as appropriate - BEFORE/ AFTERPlease indicate the location of the training workshop:

POSTED - general questionnaire

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POSTED - general questionnaire

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