Collaborative transdisciplinary intervention in early years - putting theory into practice

Recent government initiatives in the UK encourage collaborative working among professionals and highlight the importance of a co-ordinated and collaborative approach in early years for families and children. There are many models of collaborative working but the evidence base for its effectiveness in early years (0-2.5 years) in a community setting in the UK is patchy. The aim of this study is to objectively evaluate the transdisciplinary model of collaborative working in this setting.

This paper describes the development of a transdisciplinary early intervention team providing services to a 0- to 2.5-year-old age group in a community setting in the UK, between 2004 and 2007. The effects on waiting times, therapy session attendance and caseload were evaluated.

Statistically significant reduction in waiting times from an average 114-35.6 days for the highest priority children was demonstrated. Attendance at therapy sessions increased significantly from 49% in 2005 to 56% in 2006 and 75% 2007, despite an increasing case load from 29 in 2004 to 64 in 2008 through more efficient utilization of time and resources.

It is felt that this paper demonstrates, for the first time, the objective benefits to clients and fundholders/Primary Care Trust (PCT) of practical application of the theory of transdisciplinary working in a community paediatric service setting in the UK.