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Multiprofessional evaluation in clinical practice: establishing a core set of outcome measures for children with cerebral palsy
Author(s) -
Mäenpää Helena,
AuttiRämö Ilona,
Varho Tarja,
Forsten Wivi,
Haataja Leena
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.13289
Subject(s) - international classification of functioning, disability and health , cerebral palsy , specialty , set (abstract data type) , rehabilitation , medicine , gross motor function classification system , inclusion (mineral) , medical education , core (optical fiber) , physical therapy , intervention (counseling) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , psychology , family medicine , nursing , computer science , social psychology , programming language , telecommunications
Aim To develop a national consensus on outcome measures that define functional ability in children with cerebral palsy ( CP ) according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health ( ICF ) framework. Method The project started in 2008 in neuropaediatric units of two university hospitals and one outpatient clinic. Each professional group selected representatives to be knowledge brokers for their own specialty. Based on the evidence, expert opinion, and the ICF framework, multiprofessional teams selected the most valid measures used in clinical practice (2009–2010). Data from 269 children with CP were analysed, classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Communication Function Classification System, and evaluated. Results The process aimed at improving and unifying clinical practice in Finland through a national consensus on the core set of measures. The selected measures were presented by professional groups, and consensus was reached on the recommended core set of measures to be used in all hospitals treating children with CP in Finland. Interpretation A national consensus on relevant and feasible measures is essential for identifying differences in the effectiveness of local practices, and for conducting multisite intervention studies. This project showed that multiprofessional rehabilitation practices can be improved through respect for and inclusion of everyone involved.