In the winter issue of Pediatric Physical Therapy 2013;25:348–394; the APTA – Section on Pediatrics published Physical Therapy Management of Congenital Muscular Torticollis: an Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG).
Based on a systematic review of the literature the CPG offers the pediatric therapist applicable research related to evaluation, intervention and follow-up of infants with a diagnosis of torticollis. Sixteen action statements, a referral pathway and a severity classification guide the pediatric clinician’s decision making process. I would recommend that all clinicians treating infants and children with a diagnosis of torticollis review the guidelines and begin to incorporate the recommendations and severity classifications.
Are you finding the guidelines helpful in your practice? Are there any aspects that you disagree with?
Hello! I am looking for some help. I am a pediatric physical therapist who treats a moderate amount of patients who have torticollis, some of which have plagiocephaly. I am looking for sliding calipers to measure head shape to assess the severity of plagiocephaly. Does anyone know where I can purchase them? I have looked online but all I have found are the industrial ones, so I want to make sure I get an appropriate type.
Thank you!!!
Annie ,DPT
Thank you for allowing Education Resources fulfill your professional development and continuing education requirements
As a THANKYOU from us we would like to offer a $50 discount toward any conference fee
Register now through June 30, 2014 Apply code: “Spring2014″
Not to be used in combination with other discounts or course credits. Non-Transferable. Only one discount may be used per conference. Must be applied at time of registration, not for conferences previously registered for. Not for online courses.
You can register online, call the office or fax in your registration. Just mention the code!
Please call, email or visit our website with any questions
Following a period of intervention children can be assessed using the GAS scaling and be given a numeric score. This can be used not only on an individual basis but also on a larger scale to assess programs and to conduct research.
According to McDougall & King, 2007, the scale should meet the following criteria:
Have clinically equal intervals between all scale levels
The amount of change between levels should be clinically relevant
Change should be measured using just one variable keeping other variables constant
Identify a timeframe for the achievement of the goal
Here is an example:
SMART GOAL: Child will transfer from sitting in his wheelchair to standing at his desk by pushing through both hands on the armrests, having his feet hip width apart while bringing his COM forward over his BOS and sustain standing for 10 seconds in anticipation of his walker being placed behind him, 3 out of 5 trials, by (date).
GAS SCALE: The bolded words indicate the variable being measured and the amount of change.
-2
sustain standing for less than 5 seconds
-1
sustain standing for 5 – 9 seconds
0
expected
outcome
Child will transfer from sitting in his wheelchair to standing at his desk by pushing through both hands on the armrests, having his feet hip width apart while bringing his COM forward over his BOS and sustain standing for 10-14 seconds in anticipation of his walker being placed behind him, 3 out of 5 trials.
+1
sustain standing for 15-19 seconds
+2
sustain standing for at least 20 seconds
Other examples of measurable variables besides time as in the above chart, could include, but are not limited to, variables such as distance, level of assistance, number of repetitions, and percentage of accuracy. It is also possible to use developmental levels that are approximately equal in intervals.
GAS scaling provides therapists with a useful tool for documenting measurable, observable, functional change. It is simple and inexpensive, and can be used to show change in an individual child as well as show change for the purpose of research. This methodology shows promise for therapists by capturing meaningful outcomes for the children they treat thus leading therapists to best practice.
We are thrilled to announce a new course coming in early 2015 taught by Suzanne Davis with new faculty member Kate Bain:
“Making and Showing Measurable Change in Neuro-Pediatrics”
Suzanne’s other course: Contemporary NDT Treatment of the Baby and Young Child
Good luck to all those taking finals right now and CONGRATULATIONSto all recent graduates. We are sure that you will enjoy your chosen profession and enjoy the rewards that it will bring.
Education Resources would like to help you plan your future professional development and guide you through your continuing education requirements. We offer relevant dynamic continuing education courses for PT’s, PTA’s, OT’s OTA’s and SLP’s in a full range of specialties: Pediatrics, Special Education, Adult/Geriatric Rehab., Feeding, Acute Care, NICU, Home Care, and many more.
(We will be giving away three courses) Drawing will take place in June
We also encourage you to join our popular Blog and Facebook page where where we post clinical challenges and solutions, therapy nuggets from our distinguished faculty, therapy tips from colleagues, professional development and CEU issues, as well as clinical research updates.
Please feel free to post any thoughts and comments; ideas for future courses, topics, future speakers. We look forward to welcoming you to our ERI community.
]]>
Join Our Mailing List
Join our community to receive CEU course information to meet your professional development goals, hear the latest therapy tips, treatment ideas and connect with other therapists.
