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Variable implementation of good practice recommendations for the assessment and management of UK children with
1Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Insights
UK child development teams (CDTs) show varied implementation of neurodisability care recommendations. Higher funding and a dedicated base correlated with better adherence to good practices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Child development teams (CDTs) are crucial for assessing and supporting children with neurodisability.
- National policy and professional organizations have established good practice recommendations for CDT services.
- Variations in implementation of these recommendations may impact service quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent to which UK CDTs have adopted recommended practices for neurodisability care.
- To identify factors influencing the implementation of these good practices across different CDTs.
Main Methods:
- A national survey of all UK CDTs was conducted in 2009/2010.
- CDT practices were compared against established good practice guidelines.
- Implementation scores were calculated based on the number of recommendations met.
Main Results:
- A high response rate (94%) was achieved from 225 CDTs.
- Significant variability was observed in the implementation of good practice recommendations.
- CDTs with a dedicated Child Development Centre base and increased funding showed higher implementation levels.
Conclusions:
- There is considerable variation in the implementation of good practice for children with neurodisability.
- Further evidence on child/parent satisfaction and service effectiveness is needed.
- Policymakers and clinicians require this evidence to optimize services for children with neurodisability.
Objectives:
The aims of this study were to determine whether UK child development teams (CDTs) have implemented good practice recommendations for the co-ordinated assessment and support of children with neurodisability and to explore some of the factors associated with variations in good practice implementation.
Design:
Surveys were sent to every UK CDT in 2009/2010. Responses about CDT provision and ways of working were compared with good practice recommendations from national policy documents and professional organizations. The extent to which CDTs in England and Wales met 11 selected good practice recommendations was scored; teams in Scotland and Northern Ireland were given a score out of 9 to reflect the optional use of the common assessment framework and early support materials in these countries.
Results:
Responses were received from 225/240 (94%) UK CDTs. Thirty-seven per cent of CDTs in England and Wales had implemented nine or more of the 11 recommendations. Fifty-nine per cent of teams in Scotland and 78% of teams in Northern Ireland met between six and nine recommendations of good working practice. Higher levels of implementation of recommendations were found when the CDT had a Child Development Centre base and for teams who had received increased funding in the 5 years preceding the survey.
Conclusions:
There was considerable variability in the degree to which CDTs implemented good practice recommendations for the diagnosis and management of children with neurodisability. Evidence about child and parent satisfaction, and the effectiveness of CDT practices and provision, is required, so policymakers, healthcare commissioners and clinicians can provide the most appropriate services to children with neurodisability and their families.
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