Navigating the Early Detection and Intervention Toolkit for Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability of childhood with lifelong health impacts for the child and family. For CP, early detection is critical for children to access early interventions. In Canada, we are diagnosing children with CP later (mean 18.9 months) than the recommended age of less than 12 months. Early intensive interventions are associated with significant improvements in motor and functional outcomes. Our project aims to support clinicians in detecting CP early and quickly connecting children to evidence-informed early interventions. By developing a multifaceted knowledge translation strategy, we aimed to effectively implement, evaluate, and sustain change in clinical practice that supports CP early detection and early intervention across Canada. The purpose of this webinar is to offer an in-depth exploration of a multi-component knowledge translation strategy, the Early Detection and Intervention Toolkit for CP (EDIT-CP).
Our objectives are to:
1) Empower primary care providers - by providing a thorough understanding of the Early Detection section of EDIT-CP and equipping providers with the essential knowledge and skills needed to optimize early detection in young children at low-risk for CP.
2) Empower rehabilitation professionals - by offering a comprehensive orientation to the Early Intervention section of EDIT-CP and equipping therapists with skills needed to effectively navigate the toolkit and guide their decision-making in integrating evidence-based strategies into their therapeutic practices.
3) Empower caregivers - by providing comprehensive insights into the EDIT-CP, fostering an understanding of the toolkit's significance in the early identification and intervention processes, and equipping caregivers with practical knowledge and tools to promote their active engagement in the care journey, decision-making and collaboration with healthcare professionals.
Learning Objectives
1. Knowledge in the early detection strategies outlined in the EDIT-CP Toolkit, focusing on attributes detectable by primary care providers and caregivers. Knowledge in the early intervention strategies outlined in the EDIT-CP Toolkit, focusing on evidence-based rehabilitation approaches.
2. Skills to navigate the online toolkit effectively and readily apply the learned strategies in real-world scenarios.
3. Be motivated to take action and contribute to the mobilization of evidence-based practices to foster improved outcomes in the early care journey for children with CP.
Speakers:
Annette Majnemer
OT, PhD, FCAHS, the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation; School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Tatiana Ogourtsova
PhD OT, Research Center of the Jewish Rehabilitation Hospital; Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation; School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Jessica Hanson
BSc, MSc (Candidate), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation; School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University
Darcy Fehlings
MD MSc FRCP, Bloorview Research Institute; Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital; Dept of Paeditrics, University of Toronto