A Cross-Sectional Study of Disparities in Healthcare Transition in Cerebral Palsy
Gavin Colquitt1, Mario Keko2, Haresh D Rochani2
1Appalachian Institute for Health and Wellness, Beaver College of Health Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28607, USA.
Insights
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have significantly fewer transition services than those with other developmental disabilities or typically developing children. This highlights a critical need for better healthcare transition programs for CP patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare Transition
- Cerebral Palsy Management
- Developmental Disabilities Care
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability, with increasing numbers of individuals living into adulthood.
- A critical gap exists in adult healthcare providers specializing in CP, as it's often viewed as a pediatric condition.
- Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare presents unique challenges for children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the healthcare transition experiences of children with CP versus those with other developmental disabilities (DDs) and typically developing children (TDC).
- To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing the receipt of transition services for children with CP.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cross-sectional data from the 2016-2020 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH).
- Analyzed data from 71,973 respondents aged 12-17, categorized into CP (n=263), DD (n=9460), and TDC (n=36,053).
- Focused on the receipt of transition services and associated influencing factors.
Main Results:
- Only 9.7% of children with CP received necessary transition services, significantly lower than DDs (19.7%) and TDC (19.0%).
- Older age, female sex, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, and higher income predicted better service receipt.
- Children with CP were less likely to have private healthcare provider time and skills development assistance.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in transition services for children with CP, necessitating targeted interventions.
- Structured transition programs are crucial to improve the shift from pediatric to adult healthcare for CP patients.
- Ensuring coordinated, continuous care is vital for improving long-term outcomes for individuals with CP.
Abstract:
Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability among children, affecting their lifespan. While CP is typically nonprogressive, symptoms can worsen over time. With advancements in healthcare, more children with CP are reaching adulthood, creating a greater demand for adult care. However, a significant lack of adult healthcare providers exists, as CP is predominantly considered a pediatric condition. This study compares the transition experiences of children with CP compared to those with other developmental disabilities (DDs) and typically developing children (TDC). Methods: This study utilizes cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) from 2016-2020, including 71,973 respondents aged 12-17. Children were categorized into three groups: CP (n = 263), DD (n = 9460), and TDC (n = 36,053). The analysis focused on the receipt of transition services and identified demographic and socioeconomic factors influencing these services. Results: Only 9.7% of children with CP received necessary transition services, compared to 19.7% of children with DDs and 19.0% of TDC. Older age, female sex, non-Hispanic white ethnicity, and higher household income were significant predictors of receiving transition services. Children with CP were less likely to have private time with healthcare providers and receive skills development assistance compared to other groups. Conclusions: The findings highlight disparities and critical needs for targeted interventions and structured transition programs to improve the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare for children with CP. Addressing disparities in service receipt and ensuring coordinated, continuous care are essential for improving outcomes for children with CP.
