Article

In 2003, the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (BSRM)
published guidelines on amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation, including those
with congenital limb deficiency. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate
the service provided by the Regional Disablement Service (RDS) to children with
congenital upper limb deficiency, against BSRM guidelines. STUDY DESIGN:
Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Chart review. RESULTS: Analysis of the group
(n = 44) showed 52% were male, with 61% of children affected on the left side,
and 73% having a transverse deficiency. Compliance to individual aspects of the
guidelines varied considerably. Only 14 (32%) of children had met with the
multidisciplinary team by the recommended age of six months. Analysis of referral
sources and timings suggested that children were initially seen elsewhere and
later referred to RDS after consultation with a surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: RDS
compliance with the BSRM guidelines was variable. Particularly disappointing was
the low rate of children and families meeting the multidisciplinary team at an
early age (< 6 months). The low rate of early referral prompted us to contact all
paediatricians in Northern Ireland highlighting the guidelines, the benefits of
early contact with RDS and encouraging referral on diagnosis.

Langue : ANGLAIS