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Multiprofessional evaluation in clinical practice: establishing a core set of outcome measures for children with
Helena Mäenpää1, Ilona Autti-Rämö2, Tarja Varho3
1Paediatric Neurology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
This study established a national consensus on functional ability measures for children with cerebral palsy (CP), using the ICF framework. The consensus aims to unify clinical practices and improve rehabilitation outcomes for children with CP.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Functional ability assessment in children with cerebral palsy (CP) lacks standardized outcome measures.
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) provides a framework for consistent assessment.
- Multiprofessional consensus is needed to unify clinical practices and research in pediatric rehabilitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a national consensus on outcome measures for functional ability in children with CP.
- To align these measures with the ICF framework.
- To improve and unify clinical practice in Finland.
Main Methods:
- A multiprofessional consensus process was conducted from 2008-2010.
- Representatives from professional groups identified valid measures based on evidence, expert opinion, and the ICF framework.
- Data from 269 children with CP, classified by GMFCS, MACS, and CFCS, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- A national consensus was reached on a core set of outcome measures for children with CP.
- The selected measures are recommended for use in all Finnish hospitals treating children with CP.
- Consensus was achieved through multiprofessional collaboration and respect for all involved.
Conclusions:
- A national consensus on functional ability measures is crucial for evaluating practice variations and conducting multisite studies.
- Standardized measures enhance the comparability of rehabilitation interventions for children with CP.
- Multiprofessional collaboration is key to improving rehabilitation practices and outcomes.
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.
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