The Development of Rapport with Children and Families in Hospital Settings
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Date
2012-09-10
Authors
Lacey, Robertson
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Abstract
The focus of this research study was to interview child life specialists in order to a) better
understand the meaning of the concept of rapport, b) identify ways in which rapport is
established and maintained, as well as c) determine the purpose and outcomes following the
establishment of rapport between child life specialists and children. Relationships that have
established a level of rapport are described as comfortable, supportive and welcoming (Gurland
& Grolnick, 2008; McCue, 2009). Twelve certified child life specialists participated in the
interview process. Thematic analysis was used to review the qualitative data for basic and
organizing themes which resulted in the development of global themes. The six global themes
identified are 1) academic and childhood experiences, 2) description of rapport, 3) initiation of
rapport, 4) maintenance of rapport, 5) indicators of rapport, and 6) rapport is essential.
Respondents agreed that building rapport is an essential foundation for establishing and
maintaining relationships between child life specialists and children. The study results may be
used by students, clinicians and academicians to initiate the discussion on the concept of rapport
within the child life context. Research in a variety of clinical settings with child life specialists of
varying years of experience is needed in order to better understand the role that rapport has in
child life practice. Additional research methods such as face-to-face interviews or clinical
observations may also provide opportunity to expand the findings of this study.
Description
Keywords
Child life specialists , Rapport , Hospitals