As part of the Advancing Cerebral Palsy in Queensland project, Dr Joanne George and Dr Tracey Evans have established the Queensland Early detection and early intervention network for infants at risk of CP (QEDIN-CP). The vision of QEDIN-CP is to improve the health and wellbeing of children with CP and their families through early detection and earlier diagnosis of CP, and provision of early intervention. The network unites interested parties involved in the care of infants with risk factors for CP.
The QEDIN-CP network aims to support clinicians as they implement new International Clinical Practise Guidelines for early detection of CP. These guidelines advocate the use of early brain scans, the General Movement’s Assessment (GMs) and the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) as the best early tools to support earlier diagnosis of CP or an “interim diagnosis of high risk of CP”. Upskilling clinicians in the use of these tools, such that they are confident in performing early detection methodologies has been a focus of the network to date. Partnering with local clinicians across Queensland, Dr George has trained over 100 clinicians to date in the HINE in Townsville, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Over the next few months, Jo will provide further HINE training in Cairns, Mackay, Brisbane and Hervey Bay.
Through the Advancing CP in Queensland project, we are also supporting Queensland-based clinicians to partake in GMs training by offering discounted-fee scholarships.
Feedback from a physiotherapist who has undergone both HINE and GM trainings: “I have developed clinical reasoning skills and experience, and continue to work to expand my “toolbox” to provide earlier, more accurate assessment and diagnostic support. I attended the HINE training in 2017, and have successfully implemented this assessment tool in my clinical practice, working closely and advocating with colleagues and Paediatricians in it’s use. The resources in the ‘’toolbox” need to be evidence-based to be up to the task to ensure that intervention is as delivered as early and as targeted as possible. I firmly believe this is the way forward to providing optimal care and outcomes for children and families.”
QEDIN-CP continues to identify barriers to implementation of early detection practices and work with clinicians to develop and implement solutions in a variety of Hospital and community settings. If you are interested in joining our network, please register your interest here and we will keep you updated of network developments, meetings, training opportunities and resources.
Contact details
For more information about QEDIN-CP, please contact Dr Joanne George, Senior Research Physiotherapist and Postdoctoral Fellow, Ph: (07) 3069 7371 or E: qedincp@uq.edu.au or W: QEDIN-CP
