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Identifying assessment measures and interventions reported for Thai children with cerebral palsy using the ICF-CY
Pinailug Tantilipikorn1, Pauline Watter, Saipin Prasertsukdee
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Science-Physiotherapy, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia. p.tantilipikorn@uq.edu.au
Insights
This study used the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to analyze cerebral palsy (CP) management in Thailand. Findings reveal holistic care but highlight areas needing improvement for best practices in CP services.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent childhood disability.
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) offers a standardized framework for assessing functioning in individuals with disabilities.
- Applying the ICF framework to existing data is crucial for advancing best practices, particularly in developing nations like Thailand.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate demographic data, assessment tools, and intervention strategies for children with CP in Thailand's Central region.
- To utilize the ICF for children and youths (ICF-CY) framework to analyze current management practices.
- To identify gaps and areas for improvement in the care of children with CP within the Thai context.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective audit of medical charts from children with CP was conducted.
- Data were collected from four public hospitals and two schools in Thailand between 2007 and 2009.
- A sample of 269 children's charts was age-stratified and audited.
Main Results:
- Reported measures for children with CP aligned with all components of the ICF classification.
- The majority of measures were categorized under Body Structures and Functions, with fewer in Activities and Participation.
- Inconsistent and poor data recording practices hindered cross-cultural comparisons and data quality.
Conclusions:
- Classifying CP management data using the ICF-CY framework in Thailand provides insights into the comprehensiveness of care.
- The study identifies specific areas where interventions and data collection need enhancement.
- This classification contributes to the development of evidence-based best practices for managing cerebral palsy in Thailand.
Background:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common disability in childhood. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a standard framework for classifying performance in people with disability, including children with CP. Linking measures actually reported with the ICF classification promotes best practice, especially pertinent in developing countries such as Thailand. This study aimed to explore the charted demographic data, assessment and intervention measures reported for children with CP in Central region of Thailand using the ICF for children and youths (ICF-CY) framework to clarify the scope of actual management practice in this population.
Methods:
Charts of children admitted to four public hospitals and two schools in 2007-2009 were age stratified, and approximately 48% audited (n = 269).
Results:
Contextual information was clearly reported, and measures could be classified across all components of the ICF, being mainly classified in Body Structures and Functions and to a lesser degree, in Activities and Participation. Our ability to compare across cultures was affected by poor recording practices limiting the amount and quality of data available.
Conclusions:
Classifying measures of children with CP in Thailand in terms of the ICF-CY framework demonstrates their holistic management as well as where gaps need to be addressed, and thus contributes to best practice.
