Informing knowledge translation for selective dorsal rhizotomy: A survey of Australian clinicians and people with lived experience of cerebral palsy

Aim

Selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) is a neurosurgical intervention used to reduce spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). There is minimal relevant, evidence-based information available for Australian families and clinicians. This study aims to investigate the knowledge of people with lived experience and clinicians regarding SDR, including how they currently access information and what information they seek.

Methods

Adults with CP, carers of children with CP and clinicians treating children with CP were invited to complete an online survey. Data regarding participant demographics, current knowledge and confidence in knowledge about CP and SDR, information source/s used and participants level of trust in these sources are presented as counts and percentages. Comparisons in knowledge between groups were analysed.

Results

A total of 114 surveys were completed: 63 clinicians, 48 carers, and 3 adults with CP. Eighty percent of clinicians were allied health professionals. People with lived experience were less confident in their knowledge about SDR compared to knowledge of CP (P < 0.001). Clinicians rated scientific research literature and the hospital team as the most useful and trustworthy information source. People with lived experience used a wider range of information sources including the internet, rating their community therapy team and other people with lived experience as the most useful.

Conclusion

This study identified a lack of confidence in knowledge of SDR for people with lived experience, likely due to a gap in accessible and readable evidence-based information. While both groups differed in how they access information, there was agreement that greater information about SDR is needed.