This project seeks to explore the views of Novita’s families and clinicians to determine what they believe to be the best way to implement regular reviews or monitoring for children and adolescents with a physical disability. The research will focus on supports and strategies required for regular reviews to be embedded in everyday practice at Novita, including how this can happen within a fee for service environment driven by family choice.
Background
Many Novita clients have a movement disorder or physical disability and are at risk of developing complications that can impact on their mobility and functional skills. Active review and monitoring programs delivered early and regularly provide an opportunity for better outcomes for this group through provision of appropriate and timely interventions now and into the future. Although research is ongoing in Australia and elsewhere, there is limited evidence to inform effective implementation of this type of program within a community based and family centered practice model.
Participants
Parents and carers of Novita clients with a physical disability;
Novita Children’s Services therapists, team leaders and managers.
Method
Stage 1: Staff survey – exploring the supports and strategies required for regular reviews to be embedded in everyday practice for clients with physical disabilities.
Stage 2: Parent and carer survey – exploring what families feel are the most important elements of a review program and the type of resources and feedback they would find heplful.
Stage 3: Staff focus group – using the ideas from stages 1 and 2 to translate knowledge into action and implement an effective regular review program at Novita.
Potential outcomes and implications?
For children and families
Clients and families deserve and expect evidence based practice at Novita, part of which is regular review and monitoring of clients’ needs and progress. The results of this project are expected to influence future Novita service delivery and to provide clients/families with relevant and timely assessment and effective intervention. Results will also help to inform families and agencies around the importance of regular reviews and develop resources about the role of such a program in therapy.
For professionals
The project is an important means for Novita clinicians to share their views on regular review and monitoring of their clients. Project results are expected to influence future Novita service delivery and will be the vehicle for staff to have their say on this topic.
Research team & contact person
Dr Annemarie Wright, Research Officer, Knowledge & Innovation, Novita Children’s Services
Kerry Evans, Profession Leader, Physiotherapy, Knowledge & Innovation, Novita Children’s Services
Contact person
Annemarie Wright
(08) 8243 8281
[email protected]