Educational outreach and collaborative care enhances physician's perceived knowledge about Developmental Coordination...

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Pediatric Medicine
• Healthcare Delivery Models

Background:

• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects 5-6% of children, potentially leading to academic and mental health issues if unmanaged.
• Early recognition and management by physicians, in collaboration with rehabilitation professionals, are crucial for children with DCD.
• This study assessed an educational outreach and collaborative care model to enhance DCD management in primary care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the feasibility and impact of an educational outreach and collaborative care model.
• To improve the chronic disease management of children with DCD by primary care physicians.
• To enhance physicians' ability to screen, diagnose, and manage DCD.

Main Methods:

• An intervention involving educational outreach and collaborative care for children with suspected DCD.
• Physicians received education and worked with rehabilitation professionals from February 2005 to April 2006.
• A mixed-methods evaluation approach was used to document the intervention's process and impact.

Main Results:

• 147 primary care physicians enrolled; 125 children with suspected DCD were identified.
• Physician knowledge of DCD increased significantly post-intervention, with diagnostic ability rising from 1.6% to 29.2%.
• Participating physicians reported high confidence and intention to continue using project resources, with some non-participants also showing increased knowledge.

Conclusions:

• Educational outreach significantly improved physicians' knowledge and diagnostic skills for DCD.
• Collaborative care with occupational therapists boosted physician confidence in diagnosing and managing DCD.
• The model demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing physician capacity for DCD identification and management.