Family Impact of Polyhandicap: Mixed Methodological Approach

Polyhandicap (PLH) is a complex disability condition corresponding to a chronic affliction occurring in an immature brain, leading to the combination of profound mental retardation and serious motor deficit, resulting in an extreme restriction of autonomy and communication. In a preliminary work, we demonstrated that French families reporteda deterioration of the quality of life. This first study, based on a cross-sectional study and quantitative methods, did not allow to explore: 1) the dynamic aspect and the evolution over time of this experience, 2) the mechanisms underlying the difficulties encountered, the needs and expectations of families