Measurement Properties of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI-4) and Related Measures: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-version 4 (MPAI-4) and related measures' measurement properties and the quality of evidence supporting these results; and identify the interpretability and feasibility of the MPAI-4 and related measures. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic review according to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. We searched 9 electronic databases and registries, and hand searched reference lists of included articles. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent reviewers screened and selected all articles. From 605 retrieved articles, 48 were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers appraised the evidence quality and rated the extracted classical test theory and Rasch results from each study. DATA SYNTHESIS: We used meta-analysis and COSMIN's approach to synthesize measurement properties evidence (insufficient, sufficient), and the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to synthesize evidence quality (very low, low, moderate, high) by diagnosis (traumatic brain injury [TBI], stroke), and setting (inpatient, outpatient). The MPAI-4 and its subscales are sufficiently comprehensible (GRADE: very low), but there is currently no other content validity evidence (relevance, comprehensiveness). The MPAI-4 and its participation index (M2PI) have sufficient interrater reliability for stroke and TBI outpatients (GRADE: moderate), whereas interrater reliability between TBI inpatients and clinicians is currently insufficient (GRADE: moderate). There is no evidence for measurement error. For stroke and TBI outpatients, the MPAI-4 and M2PI have sufficient construct validity (GRADE: high) and responsiveness (GRADE: moderate-high). For TBI inpatients, the MPAI-4 and M2PI have mixed indeterminant/sufficient construct validity and responsiveness evidence (GRADE: moderate-high). There is 1 study with mixed insufficient/sufficient evidence for each MPAI-4 adaptation (21- and 22-item MPAI, 9-item M2PI) (GRADE: low-high). CONCLUSION: Users can be most confident in using the MPAI-4 and M2PI in TBI and stroke outpatient settings. Future research is needed on reliability, measurement error, predictive validity, and content validity of the MPAI-4 and its related measures across populations and settings.

Telerehabilitation for Children and Youth with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families: A Systematic Review.

AIM: To determine the level of evidence for the effectiveness of telerehabilitation against comparison interventions in improving child- and parent-related outcomes in children and youth with developmental disabilities. METHOD: A systematic approach, comprised of a comprehensive search; transparent study selection, data extraction, quality assessment by independent reviewers; and synthesis of sufficiently similar data (per diagnostic group, health profession, and overall level of evidence for each outcome) was undertaken. RESULTS: Fifty-five studies (29 randomized trials) were included across six diagnostic groups and ten health professions. Common telerehabilitation targets varied across diagnostic groups and included motor function, behavior, language, and parental self-efficacy. Telerehabilitation was found to be either more effective or as effective versus comparison intervention in improving 46.9% or 53.1% of outcomes, respectively. It was never found to be detrimental or less effective. Strong to moderate, limited, and insufficient levels of evidence were found for 36.5%, 24.5%, and 38.6% of the outcomes, respectively. CONCLUSION: There is sufficient evidence suggesting that telerehabilitation is a promising alternative when face-to-face care is limited. It is comparable to usual care and is more effective than no treatment. Blending in-person and telerehabilitation approaches could be beneficial for the post-pandemic future of rehabilitation in pediatric care.

Current Referral Practices for Diagnosis and Intervention for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A National Environmental Scan.

OBJECTIVES: To describe current physician referral practices with respect to age at referral to medical specialists for initial diagnosis of cerebral palsy (CP) and rehabilitation specialists for intervention and to identify factors associated with delayed referral. STUDY DESIGN: National environmental scan of 455 children diagnosed with CP who were born in Canada between 2008 and 2011, selected from 4 sites within the Canadian CP Registry (Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal). Two sources of information were used-children's medical charts and the population-based registry, which provided corresponding data for each child. Primary outcomes extracted from the charts were age at referral for diagnostic assessment, age at diagnosis, age at referral for rehabilitation services, and age at initial rehabilitation intervention. Twelve variables were explored as potential predictors. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regressions were conducted. RESULTS: Median age (in months) at referral for diagnostic assessment was 8 (mean: 12.7 ± 14.3), diagnosis 16 (mean: 18.9 ± 12.8), referral for rehabilitation services 10 (mean: 13.4 ± 13.5), and rehabilitation initiation 12 (mean: 15.9 ± 12.9). Lower maternal education, mild severity of motor dysfunction, type of CP, early discharge after birth, and region of residence explained between 20% and 32% of the variance in age at referral for assessment, diagnosis, referral for rehabilitation, and rehabilitation initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest wide variability exists in the age at which young children with CP are referred to specialists for diagnosis and intervention. User-friendly tools are therefore needed to enhance early detection and referral strategies by primary care practitioners, to ensure early interventions to optimize developmental outcomes and enhance opportunities for neural repair at a younger age.

International expert recommendations of clinical features to prompt referral for diagnostic assessment of cerebral palsy.

AIM: To establish international expert recommendations on clinical features to prompt referral for diagnostic assessment of cerebral palsy (CP). METHOD: An online Delphi survey was conducted with international experts in early identification and intervention for children with CP, to validate the results obtained in two previous consensus groups with Canadian content experts and knowledge users. We sent two rounds of questionnaires by e-mail. Participants rated their agreement using a 4-point Likert scale, along with optional open-ended questions for additional feedback. Additionally, a panel of experts and knowledge-users reviewed the results of each round and determined the content of subsequent surveys. RESULTS: Overall, there was high-level of agreement on: (1) six clinical features that should prompt referral for diagnosis; (2) two 'warning sign' features that warrant monitoring rather than immediate referral for diagnosis; and (3) five referral recommendations to other healthcare professionals to occur simultaneously with referral for diagnosis. INTERPRETATION: There was high agreement among international experts, suggesting that the features and referral recommendations proposed for primary care physicians for early detection of CP were broadly generalizable. These results will inform the content of educational tools to improve the early detection of CP in the primary care context. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: International experts provide strong agreement on clinical features to detect cerebral palsy. Consensus on clinical 'warning signs' to monitor over time. Referral recommendations from primary care to specialized health services are identified.

RECOMENDACIONES DE EXPERTOS INTERNACIONALES SOBRE CARACTERÍSTICAS CLÍNICAS PARA UNA DERIVACIÓN RÁPIDA PARA LA EVALUACIÓN DIAGNÓSTICA DE LA PARÁLISIS CEREBRAL: OBJETIVO: Establecer recomendaciones de expertos internacionales sobre características clínicas para iniciar derivación para la evaluación diagnóstica de la parálisis cerebral (PC). MÉTODO: Se realizó una encuesta online tipo Delphi con expertos en identificación e intervención temprana de niños con PC a fin de validar los resultados obtenidos en dos grupos de consenso realizados previamente en Canadá con expertos en contenidos y usuarios. Se enviaron dos rondas de cuestionarios por correo electrónico. Los participantes calificaron su acuerdo con un puntaje de 4 puntos en una escala Likert y con preguntas opcionales de respuesta abierta para comentarios adicionales. Además, un panel de expertos y usuarios revisaron los resultados de cada ronda y determinaron el contenido de las encuestas subsiguientes. RESULTADOS: En general, hubo un alto nivel de acuerdo sobre: ​​(1) seis características clínicas que requieren derivación rápida para el diagnóstico, (2) dos características de "señales de advertencia" que requieren monitoreo en lugar de referencia inmediata para el diagnóstico, y (3) cinco recomendaciones de referencia a otros profesionales de la salud que deben realizarse simultáneamente con la derivación para el diagnóstico. INTERPRETACIÓN: Hubo gran acuerdo entre los expertos internacionales, sugiriendo que las características y recomendaciones de referencia propuestas para los médicos de atención primaria para la detección de PC fue ampliamente generalizable. Estos resultados informarán el contenido de herramientas educativas para mejorar la detección precoz de PC en el contexto de atención primaria.

RECOMENDAÇÕES DE ESPECIALISTAS INTERNACIONAIS SOBRE ASPECTOS CLÍNICOS DISPARADORES DE ENCAMINHAMENTO PARA AVALIAÇÃO DIAGNÓSTICA EM PARALISIA CEREBRAL: OBJETIVO: Estabelecer recomendações de especialistas internacionais sobre os aspectos clínicos disparadores de encaminhamento para avaliação diagnóstica em paralisia cerebral (PC). MÉTODO: Um levantamento online internacional do tipo Delphi foi realizado com especialistas em identificação e intervenção precoce para crianças com PC, para validar os resultados obtidos em dois consensos prévios com especialistas no conteúdo e usuários canadenses. Enviamos duas rodadas de questionários por email. Os participantes pontuaram sua concordância usando uma escala Likert de 4 pontos, junto com questões abertas opcionais para informações adicionais. Além disso, um painel de especialistas e usuários revisaram os resultados de cada rodada, e determinaram o conteúdo das pesquisas subsequentes. RESULTADOS: Em geral, houve alto nível de concordância em: 1) seis aspectos clínicos que devem disparar encaminhamento para diagnóstico. 2) dois 'sinais de alerta' que merecem monitoramento mas não encaminhamento imediato para diagnóstico, e 3) cinco recomendações de encaminhamento para outros profissionais da saúde simultaneamente ao encaminhamento para diagnóstico. INTERPRETAÇÃO: Houve alta concordância entre especialistas internacionais, sugerindo que os aspectos e recomendações para encaminhamento propostos para médicos na atenção básica para a identificação precoce da PC foram amplamente generalizáveis. Estes resultados informarão o conteúdo de ferramentas educacionais para melhorar a detecção precoce de PC no contexto da atenção básica.

Use of consensus methods to determine the early clinical signs of cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To develop expert-informed content regarding the early motor attributes of cerebral palsy (CP) that should prompt physician referral for diagnostic assessment of CP, as well as concurrent referral recommendations. This content will be used in the creation of knowledge translation (KT) tools for primary care practitioners and parents. METHODS: Two nominal group processes were conducted with relevant stakeholders, representing Canadian 'content experts' and 'knowledge-users', using an integrated KT approach. RESULTS: Six attributes were identified that should prompt referral for diagnosis. If the child demonstrates: Early handedness <12 months; stiffness or tightness in the legs between 6 and 12 months; persistent fisting of the hands >4 months; persistent head-lag >4 months; inability to sit without support >9 months; any asymmetry in posture or movement. Five referral recommendations were agreed upon: Motor intervention specialist (physical therapy and/or occupational therapy) for ALL; speech-language pathology IF there is a communication delay; audiology IF there is parental or healthcare professional concern regarding a communication delay; functional vision specialist (e.g., optometrist or occupational therapist) IF there is a vision concern (e.g., not fixating, following, or tracking); feeding specialist (e.g., occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist) IF there are feeding difficulties (e.g., poor sucking, poor swallowing, choking, and/or not gaining weight). CONCLUSION: Rigorous consensus methods provided the initial evidence necessary to inform the content of tools to assist primary care providers in the early detection of CP. Results will be validated through a Delphi process with international experts, and user-friendly formats of this KT tool will be developed collaboratively with stakeholders.

Age at referral for diagnosis and rehabilitation services for cerebral palsy: a scoping review.

AIM: This study sought to: (1) determine what is known about age at referral for diagnosis and rehabilitation services for children suspected of having cerebral palsy (CP); and (2) identify factors associated with earlier referral. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted to summarize existing literature. We systematically searched Allied and Complementary Medicine, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycINFO for evidence published between 1979 and 2017 on age at referral for diagnosis or age at referral to rehabilitation services for children suspected of having CP. Quantitative and thematic analyses of the literature were performed. RESULTS: Our search yielded 777 articles, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. Only one study focused on age at referral for diagnosis of CP (mean 16.6mo±19.2mo), with two on age at referral to rehabilitation services (means 13.9mo±15.8mo and 12.4mo). Potential predictors of earlier referral identified include referral source, type of CP, and a complicated birth history. INTERPRETATION: Evidence is sparse; however, available studies suggest high variation in the age at which children are being referred for diagnosis, typically ranging from 10 months to 21 months. Evidence indicates that subgroups of children with CP might be experiencing prolonged delays. Findings highlight the need to better understand what contributes to delays in referral for diagnosis and rehabilitation. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Evidence on age at referral for diagnosis of cerebral palsy is sparse. Potential predictors of delayed referral represent targets to minimize delays in diagnosis. A subset of children may be experiencing unnecessary delays in referral.

EDAD DE DERIVACIÓN A LOS SERVICIOS DE DIAGNÓSTICO Y REHABILITACIÓN EN LA PARÁLISIS CEREBRAL: REVISIÓN DEL ALCANCE: OBJETIVO: Este estudio buscó (1) determinar qué se conoce sobre la edad de derivación a los servicios de diagnóstico y rehabilitación de niños con sospecha de tener parálisis cerebral (PC) e (2) identificar factores asociados con una derivación más temprana. MÉTODO: Se llevó a cabo una revisión panorámica para resumir la literatura existente. Buscamos sistemáticamente en Allied and Complementary Medicine, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycINFO la evidencia publicada entre 1979 y 2017 sobre la edad de derivación para el diagnóstico o la edad de derivación a los servicios de rehabilitación de niños con sospecha de PC. Se realizaron análisis cuantitativos y temáticos de la literatura. RESULTADOS: Nuestra búsqueda arrojó 777 artículos, de los cuales 15 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Solo un estudio estaba enfocado en la edad de la derivación para el diagnóstico de PC (media 16.6m±19.2m), y dos sobre la edad de derivación a los servicios de rehabilitación (media 13.9m±15.8m and 12.4m). Los posibles predictores de la derivación más temprana incluyen la procedencia de la derivación, el tipo de PC, y una historia de nacimiento con complicaciones. INTERPRETACIÓN: La evidencia es escasa; sin embargo, los estudios disponibles sugieren que existe una alta variación de la edad en la que los niños son derivados para ser diagnosticados, típicamente oscilando entre los 10 meses y los 21 meses. La evidencia indica que subgrupos de niños con PC pueden estar experimentando retrasos prolongados. Los hallazgos resaltan la necesidad de comprender mejor lo que contribuye al retraso en la derivación para el diagnóstico y para la rehabilitación.

IDADE DE ENCAMINHAMENTO PARA DIAGNÓSTICO E SERVIÇOS DE REABILITAÇÃO PARA PARALISIA CEREBRAL: UMA REVISÃO ABRANGENTE: OBJETIVO: Este estudo buscou (1) determinar o que se sabe sobre a idade de encaminhamento para diagnóstico e serviços de reabilitação para crianças com suspeita de paralisia cerebral (PC) e 2) identificar fatores associados com o encaminhamento precoce. MÉTODO: Uma revisão de escopo foi realizada para sintetizar a literatura existente. Nós sistematicamente buscamos a Allied and Complementary Medicine, CINAHL, Biblioteca Cochrane, Embase e PsycINFO por evidências publicadas entre 1979 e 2017 sobre idade no momento do encaminhmento para diagnóstico ou idade no momento do encaminhamento para serviços de reabilitação para crianças com suspeita de PC. Análise quantitativa e temática da literatura foram realizadas. RESULTADOS: Nossa busca resultou em 777 artigos, dos quais 15 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Apenas um estudo enfocou a idade de encaminhamento para diagnóstico de PC (média 16,6 m ± 19,2 m), com dois sobre a idade de encaminhamento para serviços de reabilitação (média 13,9 m ± 15,8 m e 12,4 m). Potenciais preditores do encaminhamento precoce incluíram a fonte do encaminhamento, o tipo de PC, e uma história de nascimento complicado. INTERPRETAÇÃO: A evidência é escassa; no entanto, os estudos disponíveis sugerem alta variação na idade em que crianças são encaminhadas para diagnóstico, tipicamente variando de 10 a 21 meses. A evidência indica que subgrupos de crianças com PC podem vivencar atrasos prolongados. Os achados enfatizam a necessidade de compreender melhor o que contribui para os atrasos no encaminhamento para diagnóstico e reabilitação.

Assessing executive function in relation to fitness to drive: a review of tools and their ability to predict safe driving.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The assessment of executive functions is an integral component in determining fitness to drive. A structured review was conducted to identify assessment tools used to measure executive function in relation to driving and to describe these tools according to: (i) specific executive function components assessed; (ii) the tool's validity in predicting safe driving; and (iii) clinical utility. METHODS: Sixty-nine articles were reviewed, identifying 53 executive function tools/assessments used in driving research. Each tool was critically appraised and the findings were compiled in a Driving Executive Function Tool Guide. RESULTS: Among the 53 tools, there were 27 general assessments of cognition, 19 driving-specific and seven activities of daily living/instrumental activities of daily living assessments. No single tool measured all executive function components: working memory was the most common (n = 20/53). Several tools demonstrated strong predictive validity and clinical utility. For example, tools, such as the Trail Making Test and the Maze Task, have the shortest administration time (i.e. often less than 10 minutes) and the most easily accessible method of administration (i.e. pen and paper or verbal). Driving-specific tools range from short questionnaires, such as the 10-minute Manchester Driving Behaviour Questionnaire, to more complex tools requiring about 45 minutes to administer. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: The appropriateness of a tool depends on the individual being assessed and on practical constraints of the clinical context. The Driving Executive Function Tool Guide provides useful information that should facilitate decision-making and selection of appropriate executive function tools in relation to driving.

Early Clinical Features of Cerebral Palsy in Children Without Perinatal Risk Factors: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: The early identification of cerebral palsy (CP) in the primary care context is often problematic and referral for diagnosis often delayed. This study aimed to identify clinical features associated with the early detection of CP that can be used by the primary care provider. METHODS: We performed a scoping review by searching six electronic databases. We included English language articles that addressed the diagnosis of CP and/or its differential diagnosis in children and ways of detecting CP before the diagnosis is established (i.e., early clinical signs of CP) via (1) questions on the patient's clinical history, (2) developmental screening and/or health questionnaires, or (3) physical or neurological examination. RESULTS: Included studies (n = 41; 27 overview studies and 14 original studies) were grouped into the three themes. Most of the overview articles relied on expert opinion, and all original studies included patients at high risk of developing CP. The most commonly identified features from each theme were early hand preference on clinical history, delayed or absent achievement of motor developmental milestones on developmental screening, and persistent primitive reflexes on neurological examination. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the literature on the early observable clinical signs that should prompt referral for investigation of possible CP in the specific context of well-baby care surveillance was sparse and inconsistent. Further research should focus on evaluating the contribution of readily identifiable clinical features.

Age at Referral of Children for Initial Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation: Current Practices.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes current practices in the age at referral for diagnosis of cerebral palsy and factors that influence earlier referral. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review (2002-2012). RESULTS: Of 103 children referred for diagnosis, 81 were referred to a neurologist by other medical specialists at a mean of 13.6 ± 15.7 months, whereas primary care providers referred much later (mean = 28.8 ± 27.1 months). Children admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit were referred earlier (mean = 9.3 ± 10.2 months) than those not (28.1 ± 24.9 months). Referral to rehabilitation was similarly delayed. CONCLUSIONS: Primary care providers generated a minority of referrals, of concern given their role in developmental surveillance. Remarkably high variability suggests knowledge of cerebral palsy attributes varies widely among service providers. Half of children with cerebral palsy do not have a complicated birth history; subsequently, referrals for diagnosis and management are often delayed. New strategies are needed to optimize prompt referral by primary care providers.