{"title":"Medical delivery without representation?: Examining disability representation within the healthcare community.","authors":"Justin Ramsey, Christopher Raffi Najarian","doi":"10.3233/PRM-240013","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-240013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Individuals with disabilities comprise approximately 13% of the overall population. This editorial explores recent events that may involve ableism. The recent COVID pandemic created a rapid need and pressure to develop ventilator allotment policies. Many concluded several state policies were discriminatory in nature toward persons with disabilities (PWD). Lack of disability representation in medical fields may contribute to such discrimination within state and hospital medical policies. The underrepresented numbers of PWD in medical fields are explored. We conclude that improved education for all medical providers is needed. Possible strategies for improving healthcare representation and delivery within the United States are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"3-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10977394/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140189850","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Irwin Gill, Sue-Anne Davidson, Paul G Stevenson, Rae Robinson, Dayna Pool, Jane Valentine
{"title":"Outcomes following intensive day rehabilitation for young people in Western Australia.","authors":"Irwin Gill, Sue-Anne Davidson, Paul G Stevenson, Rae Robinson, Dayna Pool, Jane Valentine","doi":"10.3233/PRM-220102","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-220102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Intensive rehabilitation aims to improve and maintain functioning in young people who experience disability due to illness or injury. Day rehabilitation may have advantages for families and healthcare systems over inpatient models of rehabilitation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study evaluated the goals and outcomes of a cohort of young people in Western Australia who attended a specialist intensive day rehabilitation programme (\"iRehab\") at Perth Children's Hospital. Analysis of the iRehab service database was performed. Rehabilitation goals and outcomes were recorded as per the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Children's Functional Independence Measure (WeeFIM), and Goal Attainment Scale (GAS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 586 iRehab admissions between August 11, 2011, and December 31, 2018. Admissions were divided by diagnosis: Cerebral Palsy (228, 38.5%), Acquired Brain Injury (125, 21.3%), Spinal Cord Disorders (91, 15.5%), and Other (141, 24.2%). Mean COPM Performance increased by 2.78 points from admission to discharge (95% CI 2.58 to 2.98, p < 0.001). Mean COPM Satisfaction was 3.29 points higher at discharge than admission (95% CI 3.07 to 3.51, p < 0.001). Mean total WeeFIM score improved by 6.51 points between admission and discharge (95% CI 5.56 to 7.45, p < 0.001), and by 3.33 additional points by six months post discharge (95% CI 2.14 to 4.53, p < 0.001). Mean GAS T-scores increased by 27.85 (95% CI 26.73 to 28.97, p < 0.001) from admission to discharge, and by 29.64 (95% CI 28.26 to 31.02, p < 0.001) from admission to six months post discharge, representing improvement consistent with team expectations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study describes a model by which intensive rehabilitation can be delivered in a day rehabilitation setting. A diverse population of young people who experienced disability achieved significant improvements in occupational performance, independence, and goal attainment after accessing intensive day rehabilitation. Improvements were measured in all diagnostic subgroups and were maintained six months after discharge.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"167-178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11307091/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138805302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Skylar M Hess, Dorothy Adu-Amankwah, Cordelia R Elaiho, Liam R Butler, Sheena C Ranade, Brijen J Shah, Kristin Shadman, Robert Fields, Elaine P Lin
{"title":"Qualitative feedback from caregivers in a multidisciplinary pediatric neuromuscular clinic.","authors":"Skylar M Hess, Dorothy Adu-Amankwah, Cordelia R Elaiho, Liam R Butler, Sheena C Ranade, Brijen J Shah, Kristin Shadman, Robert Fields, Elaine P Lin","doi":"10.3233/PRM-230011","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-230011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study explored family satisfaction and perceived quality of care in a pediatric neuromuscular care clinic to assess the value of the multidisciplinary clinic (MDC) model in delivering coordinated care to children with neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Caregivers of 22 patients were administered a qualitative survey assessing their perceptions of clinic efficiency, care coordination, and communication. Surveys were audio-recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was completed using both deductive and inductive methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All caregivers reported that providers adequately communicated next steps in the patient's care, and most reported high confidence in caring for the patient as a result of the clinic. Four major themes were identified from thematic analysis: Care Delivery, Communication, Care Quality, and Family-Centeredness. Caregivers emphasized that the MDC model promoted access to care, enhanced efficiency, promoted provider teamwork, and encouraged shared care planning. Caregivers also valued a physical environment that was suitable for patients with complex needs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study demonstrated that caregivers believed the MDC model was both efficient and convenient for pediatric patients with neuromuscular disorders. This model has the potential to streamline medical care and can be applied more broadly to improve care coordination for children with medical complexity.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"237-246"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11306999/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140012779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrea Fergus, Carlee Wyker, Nicole Heyl, Tayler Lewis, Katherine Hartsook
{"title":"Factors influencing caregiver buy-in to early intervention physical therapy.","authors":"Andrea Fergus, Carlee Wyker, Nicole Heyl, Tayler Lewis, Katherine Hartsook","doi":"10.3233/PRM-230025","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-230025","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The family-centered care framework of Early Intervention (EI) has shifted the focus toward caregiver engagement, but the underlying processes that build this are unknown. The aims of this study were 1) to describe the process of caregiver engagement in therapy and (2) to identify factors perceived to influence caregiver buy-in, confidence, and engagement in EI.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This preliminary descriptive study utilized quantitative questionnaires and qualitative semi-structured interviews of EI participants (23 caregivers and four physical therapists). Interviews were transcribed and theme coded until saturation was achieved and a concept map was developed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>All caregivers believed that their children benefited from EI, that they were empowered and confident in caring for their children, and their quality of life improved based on the quantitative data. The qualitative data revealed that building a rapport and therapeutic relationship is the foundation to developing buy-in. Reciprocal communication is critical to the relationship and the buy-in. Caregiver knowledge and awareness of progress foster caregiver buy-in and confidence once the relationship is established.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Improved understanding of the factors influencing the development of buy-in will provide a framework for the clinician to enhance caregiver buy-in. Enhanced buy-in may promote parental engagement and improved outcomes for the child and family.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"221-235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11307095/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139513090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jeremy Roberts, Amy Tenaglia, Elisabeth Bellissimo, Heakyung Kim
{"title":"Treatment of oromandibular dystonia with botulinum toxin A improves apnea in a teenager with quadriplegic cerebral palsy: A case report.","authors":"Jeremy Roberts, Amy Tenaglia, Elisabeth Bellissimo, Heakyung Kim","doi":"10.3233/PRM-220105","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-220105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This report describes a 15-year-old female with known spastic and dystonic quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP), Gross Motor Function Classification System IV, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). She experienced decreased apneic episodes after receiving onabotulinumtoxin A (BoNT-A) injections for the treatment of oromandibular dystonia (OMD). After her OSA diagnosis, she initially received injections to the bilateral masseter and temporalis muscles with no effect on the frequency of nightly apneic episodes. Subsequently, the bilateral lateral pterygoid muscles were added and she was later noted to have fewer apneic episodes overnight. This case report describes the use of BoNT-A in the muscles of mastication for management of OMD and the ensuing improvement in OSA in a teenager with CP.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"125-129"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10977355/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9900564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amber Newell, Neal Liang, Jan Moskowitz, Nancy Lee, Xiaoyu Norman Pan, Heakyung Kim
{"title":"Exploring the sexual experiences and challenges of individuals with cerebral palsy.","authors":"Amber Newell, Neal Liang, Jan Moskowitz, Nancy Lee, Xiaoyu Norman Pan, Heakyung Kim","doi":"10.3233/PRM-240006","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-240006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Cerebral palsy (CP) is a prevalent motor disorder affecting children, with evolving demographics indicating an increasing survival into adulthood. This shift necessitates a broader perspective on CP care, particularly in addressing the often overlooked aspect of sexuality. The purpose of this study was to investigate experiences of, challenges with, and related factors of sexuality and intimacy that people with CP are facing.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a descriptive and cross-sectional single institution survey among individuals with CP, ages 18 to 65, who had the ability to independently complete an online survey.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 40 respondents participated in the survey (Gross Motor Function Classification System [GMFCS] level I/II, 32.5%; III, 35%; IV, 32.5%). Of those, 45% were partnered, 60% had past sexual experience, 47.5% were currently sexually active at the time of submitting the survey, 80% had masturbation experience, and 45.8% believed it had positive effect on their self-esteem. Only 10% received sex education tailored for people with disability, whereas school (72.5%) and internet (35%) were the most common sources of sex education. Muscle spasms, positioning difficulty, and pain/discomfort were the most common physical challenges experienced during intimate activity amongst all function stratifications. Stratification analysis showed that, compared to higher functioning respondents, a smaller proportion of lower functioning respondents were partnered (GMFCS IV, 23.1%; quadriplegic, 31.6%), had past or current sexual experience (GMFCS IV, 44.4%, 36.4%; quadriplegic, 42.1%, 26.3%, respectively), and had masturbation experience (GMFCS IV, 61.5%); Also, they had worse Quality of Life Scale scores on average (GMFCS IV, 88.4; quadriplegic, 88.3) and a higher rate of reported positive effects of sexual experiences on self-esteem than negative (GMFCS IV, 38.5%; quadriplegic, 35%).</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"35-45"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10977348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140189849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sharyl Samargia-Grivette, Helen Hartley, Karin Walsh, Jurgen Lemiere, Allison D Payne, Emma Litke, Ashley Knight
{"title":"REhabilitation Approaches in CHildren with cerebellar mutism syndrome (REACH): An international cross-disciplinary survey study.","authors":"Sharyl Samargia-Grivette, Helen Hartley, Karin Walsh, Jurgen Lemiere, Allison D Payne, Emma Litke, Ashley Knight","doi":"10.3233/PRM-230006","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-230006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Pediatric cerebellar mutism syndrome (pCMS) can occur following resection of a posterior fossa tumor and, although some symptoms are transient, many result in long-lasting neurological deficits. A multi-disciplinary rehabilitation approach is often used in cases of pCMS; however, there have been no clinical trials to determine gold standards in rehabilitation practice in this population, which remains a research priority. The purpose of this study was to identify and compare intervention practices used in pCMS throughout the disciplines of occupational and physical therapy, speech-language pathology, and neuropsychology across geographic regions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 55-question e-survey was created by an international multidisciplinary research group made up of members of the Posterior Fossa Society and sent to rehabilitation professionals in pediatric neuro-oncology centers in the US, Canada, and Europe.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Although some differences in the type of intervention used in pCMS were identified within each discipline, many of the targeted interventions including dose, frequency, and intensity were similar within disciplines across geographic regions. In addition, there were common themes identified across disciplines regarding challenges in the rehabilitation of this population.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These results provide a foundation of current practices on which to build future intervention-based clinical trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"185-197"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11307050/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139940127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lubna Ayoubi, Jessica Pruente, Alecia K Daunter, Steven R Erickson, Daniel Whibley, Daniel G Whitney
{"title":"Opioid prescription patterns among commercially insured children with and without cerebral palsy.","authors":"Lubna Ayoubi, Jessica Pruente, Alecia K Daunter, Steven R Erickson, Daniel Whibley, Daniel G Whitney","doi":"10.3233/PRM-230009","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-230009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>This study aimed to describe opioid prescription patterns for children with vs. without cerebral palsy (CP).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cohort study used commercial claims from 01/01/2015-12/31/2016 and included children aged 2-18 years old with and without CP. Opioid prescription patterns (proportion exposed, number of days supplied) were described. A zero-inflated generalized linear model compared the proportion exposed to opioids in the follow-up year (2016) and, among those exposed, the number of days supplied opioids between cohorts before and after adjusting for age, gender, race, U.S. region of residence, and the number of co-occurring neurological/neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A higher proportion of children with (n = 1,966) vs. without (n = 1,219,399) CP were exposed to opioids (12.1% vs. 5.3%), even among the youngest age group (2-4 years: 9.6% vs. 1.8%), and had a greater number of days supplied (median [interquartile range], 8 [5-13] vs. 6 [4-9] days; P < 0.05). Comparing children with opioid exposure with vs. without CP, a greater number of days supplied was identified for older age, Asian race/ethnicity, and without co-occurring NDDs, and a lower number of days supplied was observed for Black race/ethnicity and with ≥1 co-occurring NDDs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Children with CP are more likely to be exposed to opioids and have a higher number of days supplied.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"47-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10977359/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140136887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Courtney McKenzie, Melanie Titzer, Alyssa Hutchinson, Camaran Dodge, Andrea Fergus
{"title":"Analysis of a model for pediatric physical therapy and clinical education via telehealth.","authors":"Courtney McKenzie, Melanie Titzer, Alyssa Hutchinson, Camaran Dodge, Andrea Fergus","doi":"10.3233/PRM-220112","DOIUrl":"10.3233/PRM-220112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A novel entry-level collaborative clinical learning experience (CLE) in pediatric physical therapy (PT) delivered via telehealth was implemented involving 12 families, 54 DPT students, and 12 clinical instructors (CIs). Children of various ages, a wide range of home environments, and diagnoses received individualized PT via telehealth during a four-week CLE. Retrospective quantitative and qualitative analyses of student documentation, video recordings of sessions, and CI, student, and caregiver survey responses were performed. All children demonstrated qualitative improvements and 73% demonstrated quantitative improvements. CIs, students, and caregivers believed the children benefited from the experience and 98% believed the children were able to work toward their goals. Most students (95%) and CIs (100%) felt that it was a valuable and effective learning experience. Most (>71%) CIs and students believed students were able to learn in all relevant domains of the clinical performance instrument. This model provides a unique CLE for students in both pediatric PT and telehealth.</p>","PeriodicalId":16692,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicine","volume":" ","pages":"271-288"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11307064/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140059666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}