Early identification and communication in cerebral palsy: Navigating a collaborative approach for neonatal follow-up
Paige Terrien Church1,2,3, Rudaina Banihani3,4, Karen Thomas5,6
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neonatology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Insights
Early identification and clear communication of cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis are crucial for families and providers. Effective strategies involve collaboration, consistent messaging, and mindful language to support improved function.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Communicating a cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis presents significant challenges for healthcare providers and families.
- Early identification of CP is essential for timely intervention and improved functional outcomes.
- Parental experiences and perspectives are vital in shaping effective diagnostic communication strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a clinical case illustrating early CP identification and diagnosis.
- To review literature on communicating a CP diagnosis and associated parental experiences.
- To discuss evidence-based strategies for effective communication of crucial diagnostic information.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the communication of a cerebral palsy diagnosis.
- Analysis of thirteen articles concerning CP diagnosis communication and parent experiences.
- Incorporation of interdisciplinary team knowledge and parental feedback.
Main Results:
- Key findings highlight the challenges in communicating a CP diagnosis.
- Evidence supports the benefits of early identification for intervention.
- Parental feedback underscores the need for empathetic and clear communication.
Conclusions:
- Effective communication strategies involve engaging families, community therapists, and medical providers.
- Consistent, individualized, and collaborative communication is paramount.
- Awareness of ableism and the use of balanced, value-neutral terminology are recommended.
Aim:
This article will provide a clinical case demonstrating the implementation of early identification and review the tools and findings and the diagnostic approach. We will review highlighted literature on the subject of communicating a diagnosis. While improved function is a critical goal, the process of communicating the diagnosis of CP can be challenging for both parents and providers. It aims to provide insights on the evidence supporting early identification and discusses strategies for effective communication of crucial information.
Methods:
The article reviews the literature on communication of a diagnosis.
Results:
Thirteen articles were identified relating to the communication of a diagnosis of CP and parent experience. We examine this evidence, leveraging the knowledge of an interdisciplinary team and incorporating feedback from parents.
Conclusion:
Strategies for effective communication include engagement with families, community therapy teams and all medical providers. Consistent, individualised, collaborative communication is critical. Awareness of ableism and use of balanced, value-neutral terminology is recommended.
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