Investigating Pediatricians' Practice, Knowledge, and Barriers in Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy
Vivian Wong1,2, Stacey D Miller2,3,4,5, Olivia Scoten6
1Rehabilitation Sciences Graduate Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Pediatricians in British Columbia often diagnose cerebral palsy (CP) late. Many general pediatricians lack confidence and face barriers in diagnosing CP early, despite its importance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Canadian Cerebral Palsy Registry data indicates late diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) in British Columbia (BC) children, averaging 25 months.
- Current diagnostic timelines fall short of recommended early detection standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the current practices and beliefs of BC pediatricians regarding CP diagnosis.
- To identify barriers and facilitators influencing the timely diagnosis of CP.
Main Methods:
- Two online surveys were administered to pediatricians, subspecialty pediatricians, pediatric neurologists, and geneticists in BC.
- Surveys assessed current practices, knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and facilitators related to CP diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Less than 60% of surveyed general pediatricians reported diagnosing CP.
- Half of respondents believed pediatricians should diagnose CP, with 93% agreeing if supported by specialists.
- Key barriers included diagnostic uncertainty and limited access to education and therapists.
Conclusions:
- General pediatricians possess CP knowledge but exhibit gaps in confidence and skills for early diagnosis.
- Lack of confidence and diagnostic uncertainty are significant barriers to timely CP diagnosis.
- Collaboration with developmental pediatricians or neurologists may facilitate earlier CP diagnosis.
