Steering towards collaborative assessment: a qualitative study of parents' experiences of evidence-based assessment practices for their child with cerebral palsy.

A strengths-based approach to diagnosis and assessment is essential. The resulting interpretive description may assist health professionals align evidence-based assessment practices with family-centred care.Implications for rehabilitationParents of children who have cerebral palsy describe having to protect their child's identity and representation, and their own personal well-being, through evidence-based assessment and diagnostic processes.Involving parents in the process of evidence-based assessment and adopting a strengths-based approach is essential.The interpretive description developed-the Steering Wheel for Collaborative Assessment-may assist health professionals to implement evidence-based assessment tools in ways consistent with family-centred care principles.